Who won the first season of the UK reality show 'The X Factor' in 2004?

Steve Brookstein won the first season of the UK reality singing competition The X Factor in 2004.

Brookstein was mentored by Simon Cowell in the Over 25s category. He defeated runner-up G4 in the live final, which was broadcast on ITV in December 2004. His victory made him the first winner in the show's long-running British format.

Brookstein released a cover of Phil Collins's “Against All Odds” as his winner's single. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in December 2004. The song was later followed by his debut album, 40,000 Things.

The X Factor is sometimes confused with Pop Idol, the earlier British singing show that launched singers such as Will Young and Gareth Gates. The X Factor introduced categories for contestants and mentors who guided them through the competition.