X-Factor / Jack Houghton / 13 December 2008 /

She's been hitting the high notes on and off screen (allegedly) but is Alexandra really deserving of her place at the favourite's table? Jack Houghton isn't so sure...

I'm neither admitting or denying it. If I've starred in a home-made sex tape, or if I haven't, that's my business. And cousin Jethro's. But that's all. It's between him and me. And I won't be making any other comment on it. I definitely won't me asking my mum, or Jethro's mum for that matter (same person), to appear in the press and deny the tape's existence. After all, how convincing a denial could she make?

The thing is, mums, on the whole, aren't usually the first to know when their offspring make dirty home movies. Generally, I would say, children try to keep those kinds of things from their parents. Even those with right-on hippy folks called Geoff and Christine - with whom they regularly share an after-dinner family-size doobie - would likely baulk at the thought of discussing their latest money-shot with ma and pa.

It was surprising then when Alexandra's mum, Melissa Bell, appeared in the press saying that an alleged sex-tape - starring some dude called D'andre West (it's French) and her sweet child Alexandra - doesn't exist. It can't do. Alexandra told her.

Mmm. Now Mel Bell. I'm not saying it does exist. But I'm pretty sure that - exist or not - it might be a subject about which Alexandra isn't entirely honest with you. Just a hunch. The thing is, Mel's denial wasn't exactly convincing: "As far as she's [Alexandra] concerned, it could be one of a number of girls in that tape. If he did do it, it was in secret, but she said she would have known."

So there is a tape then? You know that much. But Alexandra isn't in it? Phew. But hang on. She might be in it? But only if he filmed it secretly. Oh no. It's okay though, she would have known if he was filming it secretly. She's always had a sixth sense for secret filming. Phew again.

Sex tape allegations aside, Alexandra goes into the final week as a strong favourite. And her turnaround has been quite remarkable. Only two shows previously, she was languishing as third or fourth favourite. A few hours, and a few songs, later, she was odds-on to win the whole thing.

I've been slow to join the Alexandra band-wagon. So slow, in fact, that I'm not joining it now. She's good without being great, and I still see her as the least likely of the remaining three acts to win tonight.

Rumour and counter-rumour have seen various star-guest line-ups announced for the final show, but consistent among them has been the assertion that Alexandra will perform alongside Beyonce. And it now looks as if Eoghan gets Boyzone and JLS are lumbered with Westlife.

Beyonce is incredibly hot and incredibly talented. Alexandra is similar, only less so, and the pairing will do the contestant no favours. Although she could get through to the final two, her elimination price is absolutely massive and I recommend a 2pts back at [8.6] of Alexandra in the 10th Elimination market.

Followers of this column will already be long on Eoghan, and I still see him as the most likely winner. Boyzone will generate by far the most affection among viewers and Eoghan's relative meekness will be well complemented by the boy band setting. Already recommended at [14.5] and [6.0], I won't be putting him up again, but anyone who didn't take the advertised odds would be advised to take the [6.6] currently available.

I'll also be laying Eoghan in the elimination market. This covers my stake on the Alexandra bet should JLS be booted out first, with the chance of a bumper payout should Alexandra go early. I recommend a 4pts lay of Eoghan at [1.91] in the 10th Elimination market.

I just can't believe it all ends here. It's been a crazy journey. What will I do with myself on Saturday nights now? Until next year folks...

Recommended:
2pts back of Alexandra at [8.6] in 10th Elimination market.
4pts lay of Eoghan at [1.91] in 10th Elimination market.

Already Recommended:
1pt back of Eoghan at [14.5] in Winner market.
1pt back of Simon at [3.7] in Winning Manager market.
2pts back of Eoghan at [6.0] in Winner market.
3pts lay of Cheryl at [1.72] in Winning Manager market.

Already Settled:
2pts back of Girlband at [1.65] in Bottom Two Acts market, week two. (WON)
1pt back of Rachel at [2.9] in Bottom Two Acts market, week three. (LOST)
1pt back of Rachel at [3.7] in Bottom Two Acts market, week four. (WON)
4pts back of Daniel at [1.44] in Bottom Two Acts market, week four. (LOST)
1pt back of Austin at [9.2] in Winner market. (LOST)
2pts back of Rachel at [1.97] in Bottom Two Acts market, week five. (LOST)
1pt back of JLS at [5.7] in Bottom Two Acts market, week five. (LOST)
2pts back of JLS at [5.8] in Bottom Two Acts market, week six. (LOST)
4pts back of Rachel at [1.89] in 7th Elimination market, week seven. (WON)
2pts lay of Ruth at [1.41] in Bottom Two Acts market, week seven. (WON)
1pt back of Ruth at [2.7] in 25 and Overs market. (WON)
1pt back of JLS at [3.3] in 8th Elimination market. (LOST)
1pt back of Alexandra at [6.2] in 8th Elimination market. (LOST)
1pt back of Diana at [9.4] in Winner market. (LOST)
3pts back of Diana at [1.65] in Girls market. (LOST)

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