For the competitions original favourite Ashley really was in need of an S.O.S, as he found himself in the final two for the second week running. Up against Robert from the over 25’s, Simon and Sharon predictably stayed loyal to their acts so it was over to Louis Walsh to cast the deciding vote. He chose to keep Robert based on his sing-off performance which really set the fireworks off between the judges with Simon not taking well to seeing the first of his four acts leave.
So with seven left, two from Louis’ Groups (The MacDonald Brothers, Eton Road), two from Sharon’s Over 25’s (Ben, Robert) and three from Simon’s 16’s-24’s (Leonna, Ray and Nikitta) the betting is really starting to hot up.
The bookmakers make it a three-horse race with one from each category (Ben, Leonna and Eton Road) the leading acts at this stage and with some widely varied views on this trio there really is some great value to be had.
With most firms Ben is the clear favourite leading into this Saturday’s show at BestPrice 13/8 WorstPrice 5/4, however a couple make him joint jolly with Leonna at 6/4, with one bookmaker going the other way making Leonna their main fancy at BestPrice 7/4 WorstPrice 11/8 to become the first female to win the show. To view current odds visit www.easyodds.com.
Just behind the pair is Louis Walsh’s band Eton Road at BestPrice 3/1 WorstPrice 5/2, with 22/1 BAR these three.
Both the past winners of the show have been solo male artists, so with this proven winning formula Ben is sure to have his supporters, but this year a change could be on the cards with Leonna showing by far the best star qualities of the remaining seven.
Away from the outright betting this week will of course see another round of singing and with that another finalist leaving the show. So the ‘Next Eviction’ market is of some interest as it again looks a tight affair with three in the frame. The MacDonald Brothers are around 2/1 to go, Nikitta 5/2 and last week’s sing-off winner Robert 3/1. For me The MacDonald Brothers surely can’t win the whole show, and will be out soon, but with their massive Scottish following they should survive another week. Robert was unlucky to be in the final two last time, and to me the best option looks to be Simon’s Nikitta. This will even up the acts to two each and I feel she was very lucky to not go last week after getting a grilling from her mentor Simon.
Finally if you want a bit of fun some bookmakers have made up some ‘wacky wager’ opportunities including Sharon Osbourne to slap Simon Cowell in the face at 6/1, Simon to swear during a live show also at 6/1, and even Simon to cry during a live performance at 12/1.
