The bumper ratings were helped by the 17.2m people who saw former painter and decorator Matt Cardle win this year's X Factor on ITV1.

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The 27-year-old former painter-decorator is now practically guaranteed a number one single with his debut release, a cover of Biffy Clyro's Many of Horror.

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Mr Walker, who is a painter and decorator, said he was now waiting for the British Museum's treasure valuation committee to tell him what he will receive.

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