who did jls lose to on x factor
List of The X Factor finalists (UK series 5) The fifth UK series of The X Factor was broadcast on ITV. The series began on 16 August 2008 and finished on 13 December 2008 with a grand finale. After the audition process, 12 finalists were selected and split into four categories. Each category was mentored by one of the show's judges. Simon Cowell mentored the Boys, Cheryl Cole mentored the Girls, Dannii Minogue mentored the Over 25s and Louis Walsh mentored the Groups. In the final, Alexandra Burke was declared the winner, JLS were the runners-up and Eoghan Quigg finished in third place.