Despite The X Factor boasting a £1million recording contract for its winner, this year’s winner will only earn that amount after four successful albums.

The Sun reports that the £1million tag was dropped up the 2009 series, when Joe McElderry triumphed. He was dropped by Syco earlier this year after a disappointing debut album.

After their first album, this year’s winner will get £150,000, followed by £237,000 for a second.

A third album will earn £315,00, with a final £400,000 for a fourth, however extra earnings can be made from The X Factor tour and other appearances.

2010 winner Matt Cardle revealed: “I got an advance to keep me housed and fed while making my album. The million pound thing — that’s just for TV.”

A source said: “‘The bottom line is that unless you have hit album after hit album you will never get anywhere near the £1million from selling records. But it’s still a hugely lucrative show.”

In response, a Syco spokesperson insisted: “The X Factor provides a huge platform for earning potential for both the winner and finalists.

“It is estimated finalists have collectively earned an estimated £60million in the past few years alone including from record deals, endorsements and public appearances.”

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