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EXCLUSIVE 'She’s happy doing what she’s doing and that’s what’s most important': X Factor winner Matt Terry gives Honey G his full backing as rapper bags surprise record deal

Published: 08:04 EST, 13 December 2016 | Updated: 10:05 EST, 13 December 2016

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X Factor winner Matt Terry has given his full backing to Honey G – despite potentially going head to head with the polarising former contestant for the coveted Christmas number one.

The former waiter, 24, is odds on favourite to top the festive chart with his debut single, the Ed Sheeran penned charity track When Christmas Comes Around.

But its release comes as self-styled rapper Honey – real name Anna Georgette Gilford – reveals she has bagged her own, potentially lucrative record deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco.

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Support: The X Factor winner Matt Terry has given his full backing to Honey G – despite potentially going head to head with the polarising former contestant for the coveted Christmas number one

Playing down any perceived rivalry with the former talent show hopeful, who divided fans with her own unique interpretation of various hip hop classics, Bromley based Matt told MailOnline he supported her decision to pursue a recording career in her own right.

'I feel like throughout the competition she kind of just grew on people and had so much fun on stage,' he said. ‘Her fun kind of came across to everyone else. I 100 percent would take a record deal if I came out and I think fair play to her, she does work really hard.'

He added: 'I can only speak for myself, I think she’s one of those people you either grow to like or you don’t and she takes it well.

Without rhyme or reason: His new single's release comes as self-styled rapper Honey – real name Anna Georgette Gilford – reveals she has bagged her own, potentially lucrative record deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco

'I think she’s got respect for it and she’s happy doing what she’s doing and that’s what’s most important.'

Matt was speaking as he continues to promote his debut single, with all proceeds going to Together for Short Lives, a leading charity for UK children’s palliative care, and Shooting Star Chase, a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies.

But the singer already has his eyes set on potential duets with his favourite artists as he looks ahead to what he hopes will be a long, successful career.

Stepping out: Matt was out and about in London on Tuesday morning as he continues to promote his debut track

He's a winner: The singer looked dapper in a smart grey coat and skinny black trousers during his visit to Capital FM

Popular choice: The former waiter, 24, is odds on favourite to top the festive chart with his debut single, the Ed Sheeran penned charity track When Christmas Comes Around

'The list is endless, so many people - honestly anybody, I'd be so grateful,' he said. 'I'm a massive fan of Jessie J, Sam Smith, obviously Ed Sheeran, Nicole (Sherzinger, former mentor) I just love. I couldn't choose.'

Matt's comments come during a furious promotional campaign across the UK on behalf of his first single.

The singer was in London's Leicester Square on Tuesday morning ahead of a visit to Capital Radio, where he looked dapper in a smart grey coat and skinny black trousers.

Looking ahead: The singer already has his eyes set on potential duets with his favourite artists as he looks ahead to what he hopes will be a long, successful career

Evidently willing to put in the hours, Matt remains quietly confident that hard work and commitment will help him avoid the career disappointments suffered by former male winners Steve Brookstein, Leon Jackson, Matt Cardle and Ben Haenow.

'I feel like it depends on you and if you really want it and put in the hard work you can go out and get it,’ he said.

‘Say Shayne Ward for example, he’s just changed his career and won an award, he’s an actor in Coronation Street.

'I think anything is possible, whatever you put your mind to, and if you’re working hard you can do it.’