Unsigned singer Ebony Day wins MTV's Brand New title

An unsigned singer from Surrey who turned to music after being confined to her house because of food allergies has won MTV's next big thing prize.

Ebony Day, 19, has beaten a host of artists backed by major labels to land the annual MTV Brand New title after winning a public vote.

Day was forced to miss school after being diagnosed with allergies four years ago and began to write music.

Her videos have now been watched more than 19 million views on YouTube.

Day, the first unsigned act to win the title, received two-fifths of the vote from the 10-strong shortlist.

She said: "I'm so overwhelmed that my fans have made this win possible for me.

"It's all down to their ongoing support and hard work that I have won.

"This is a dream come true for me, I've never been happier."

The 19-year-old lives in Guildford and studies music at the town's Academy of Contemporary Music College.

She beat the likes of Gabrielle Aplin, Angel Haze, Tom Odell, Haim, Rascals and Kodaline for the title.

Last year's winner was Conor Maynard.