Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen are looking likely to face off in the second French election battle on April 24

Exit polls put Macron ahead, with 28.1 percent of the vote, with Le Penn winning 23.3 percent.

Left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon is sitting in third place with around 20 percent of the vote.

Published as polling booths closed, these estimates are generally quite reliable in France.

Unsuccessful far-right candidate Eric Zemmour has spoken following the news, urging his followers to now throw their support behind Le Pen.

Meanwhile, Mélenchon has admitted feeling disappointed by the result, but has told his voters to support the current President and keep the conservative out of power.

At Marcon HQ, huge cheers and celebrations erupted when the exit polls were announced.

Supporters say they’re happy with the lead, but appreciate there is work to do before the next vote.

At Le Pen’s base, the mood is reportedly similar, with many pleased with the result, which is her best yet.