Shayne Thomas Ward (born 16 October 1984) is an English pop singer, who rose to prominence in the United Kingdom and Ireland after becoming the winner of the 2005 series of the talent show The X Factor. Early life Ward was born in 1984 in Clayton, Manchester to Irish parents. He is in a relationship with long-term girlfriend, Faye. He has six siblings, including a twin sister named Emma. He is also a Manchester United supporter. Prior to his participation in The X Factor, Ward was in a band called Destiny with two women named Tracy Murphy and Tracey Lyle. They performed at pubs, clubs and weddings. Ward also reached the final thirty of The Rivals. During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh (who is now his manager under a joint venture with Global Publishing and Walsh Global Management). The bookies' favourite to win the show, he defeated duo Journey South a