Matt Cardle didn't want to hurt Dannii Minogue on The X Factor

Matt Cardle & Dannii Minogue

Matt Cardle has apologised to mentor Dannii Minogue after he accidentally wacked her on The X Factor last night.

The Aussie judge got a fist in her face when all the axed contestants rushed towards the painter/decorator to congratulate him on his victory.

At the time, Matt didn't realise he'd 'punched' Dannii.

'I felt so bad watching it back - that's really terrible,' he said on This Morning today.

'I have just Tweeted her an apology about that. That was full on, wasn't it?'

Matt hopes to make it up to Dannii, 39.

'She's been an amazing mentor, I can't thank her enough,' he added. 'She's going to get a great Christmas present from me when I get a chance to shop.'

Matt beat Rebecca Ferguson, 24, and One Direction to the title of The X Factor 2010 champion.

His debut single When We Collide is expected to become Christmas No 1.

SEE VIDEO Matt Cardle accidentally hitting Dannii Minogue in the face on The X Factor...