Bookies lose their voice as Kevin Simm seals victory in the final

Kevin Simm's victory in The Voice is the most expensive result for bookmakers in the history of the talent show on BBC One.

The former Liberty X pop star, who was the favourite to win, is estimated to have cost bookmakers a six-figure pay-out.

Currently 2-1 with Coral to have a UK number one single in 2016 following his success on The Voice, the 35-year-old was a popular bet throughout the series' run.

Coral's John Hill said: "He was well backed ever since his opening audition and leading into the final, it was all one-way traffic."

Chorley-born Simm looked shocked as co-presenter Marvin Humes announced he had won.

Simm impressed with his rendition of the winner's song, titled All You Good Friends, and his earlier performance of Stay by Rihanna.

"I can't believe it," the stunned singer mentored by Ricky Wilson said.

"I'm just so grateful to everyone that's voted for me. I couldn't have dreamed this would happen, especially at my ripe old age!" he added.

Jolan, also mentored by Wilson, was the runner-up.

"I couldn't wish anybody better to win it," the Cumbrian said of Simm.

The Kaiser Chiefs frontman applauded Jolan and promised: "I've already got something in place for him."

Lydia Lucy from will.i.am's team and Boy George charge Cody Frost fell at the last hurdle after securing the fewest votes from the public.

Essex's Lucy thanked her supporters and paid tribute to her mentor. "I've loved every single moment on this show and I'm so happy I've had a chance to work with this man," she said.

In response, US artist will.i.am said Lucy will perform during his free show at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 11.

"We're going to still continue to record together," he stated.

Talking about the show, Lancastrian Frost said: "It's been really long, but it's been amazingly worth it."

Boy George said they were both "pleased" about the outcome because the 18-year-old did not want to sing All You Good Friends.

Jolan kicked off the competition with a rendition of Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

"It was amazing. I don't want to live in a world where a voice like that goes undiscovered," said Wilson.

Lucy, 22, had attempted to find fame on Simon Cowell's The X Factor in 2013.

She performed No One by Alicia Keys on the BBC talent show.

Previously praised for the ease with which she can switch between singing and rapping, she showcased her skill once again.

"Lydia is the real deal," said will.i.am.

Like Lucy, Burnley-raised Frost successfully shook off ill health to give a stirring performance in the final.

The teenager tackled Tears For Fears classic Mad World to universal acclaim.

In the duets segment, fans were treated to a variety of music genres.

Winning coach Wilson teamed with guitar-playing Jolan for Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz.

Boy George and Frost gave the watching millions a version of John Lennon's enduring classic Imagine.

Winning coach Wilson and Simm took the tempo up significantly with festivals favourite, Mr Brightside by The Killers.

Will.i.am borrowed his own song Boys & Girls for a funky duet with Lucy.

Music on the night came from international artists Meghan Trainor and Shawn Mendes.

Presenters Emma Willis and Marvin Humes signed off the BBC One broadcast by thanking all the cast and crew who had worked on the show since its 2012 debut.

In 2017, The Voice will be broadcast on ITV.