X-Factor / Jack Houghton / 17 October 2009 / Leave a comment

With the show's integrity called into question and 4000 complaints about homophobic remarks, Jack Houghton endeavours to restore the lustre to the X Factor. And of course, turn a profit...

"This week I’m focused on the Bottom Two market and, at a massive [2.7], Rachel looks value to face the judges on Sunday night. I’m having 2 points on."

In a week of behind-the-scenes reports and leaked memos, the very nature of X Factor reality is in question.

First we learn of a directive given to the show's presenters, instructing them to accentuate the positive qualities of John and Edward. Next, we hear of fake banners created by producers, to be held by audience members, proclaiming their support for various acts and judges.

There are plenty of online nut-jobs to have called into question the veracity of the X Factor poll. But those of us who suckle weekly at the bounteous teat of this great show know, perfectly and clearly, that no such shenanigans could possibly take place. But what if no fixing were required? What if manipulation was all it took? A banner here, a judge comment there, an unflattering camera angle everywhere? All planned and orchestrated by an omnipotent and omniscient overlord producer, unparalleled in media manipulation?

Sorry. I've been drinking. Went on a philosophical space flight there, and ended up in some other world. And now is no time to be anywhere but ensconced on the couch, eyes set on Saturday's extravaganza, awaiting further reaction to Dannii's bisexual jibe towards Danyl (can either of them spell?).

First up, show producers have said that, despite 4,000 Ofcom complaints, Dannii keeps her job. Good-o. And although celebrity heavyweights like Colin Murray have come out in opposition to her comments, plenty of others are supporting our stretched-face kangaroo-loving friend. Kylie - perhaps predictably - started things rolling for little sis'. She was quickly followed by Antony Cotton (me neither - apparently some camp dude off Corrie) claiming Dannii's comments were actually "pro-gay".

In other news, Louis Walsh has said Simon is too old to understand John and Edward. I bet you understand them just fine, don't you Louis? John and Edward, incidentally, are rumoured to be "covering" Britney Spears this week. Although I assume "covering" is used here in a different sense to what Sea The Stars will be doing next year. And there's lots of rumour and counter-rumour around whether Cheryl will mime her debut solo performance on Sunday's show. You'll have to tune-in to Diva Week - a theme the judges, at least, will be comfortable with - to find out. Oh, and Whitney Houston is performing. Ace.

Enough gossip though. It's punting wisdom you crave; and punting wisdom I will so dispense. I'm leaving the outright market for now: the already advised bets on Joseph and Lloyd look solid, and it feels too early to make massive pronouncements about who will win come December. I'll leave that game to Mike Norman. Amateur.

This week I'm focused on the Bottom Two market and, at a massive [2.7], Rachel looks value to face the judges on Sunday night. I'm having 2 points on. She is, by no means, the worst performer of the remaining 11, but, even after a solid showing, viewers weren't prepared to dial her number [cue gormless smile into camera whilst prodding right index finger towards imaginary phone] last week. So why will they this time?

I guess that might depend on those irksome sign-writers. An audience interspersed with I LOVE RACHEL billboards might make all the difference. If only we could know which way those manipulative paintbrush hands will turn, we'd hold the key to untold riches.

See you next week.

This week's recommendations:

2 pt Back Rachel at [2.7] in Bottom Two market.

Already Recommended:

1 pt Back Dannii at [2.48] in Winning Judge market.
1 pt Back Cheryl at [8.0] in Winning Judge market.
1 pt Back Joseph at [12.0] in Winner market.
1 pt Back Lloyd at [25.0] in Winner market.

Tags: Danni Minogue, Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell, Specials Betting, X Factor Betting Odds, X Factor betting tips