The X Factor (British TV series) series 5

Series 5 of The X Factor, a British television talent competition, aired on ITV from August 16 to December 13, 2008. The series was presented by Dermot O'Leary. Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, and Dannii Minogue returned as judges. Sharon Osbourne departed the show, and was replaced by Cheryl Cole.

The audition process commenced in June 2008, visiting cities across the United Kingdom. The series maintained the structure of previous seasons, featuring initial auditions, bootcamp, judges' houses, and the live shows. The live shows were broadcast weekly, culminating in a final where the remaining contestants competed for the public vote and a recording contract.

The winner of series 5 was Alexandra Burke, mentored by Cheryl Cole. Burke defeated JLS in the final. Other notable contestants included Eoghan Quigg, Diana Vickers, and Ruth Lorenzo. Burke's winner's single was a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," which became the UK Christmas number one in 2008. The series was marked by high ratings and significant media attention, continuing The X Factor's established popularity.