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X Factor Betting: Odds-on Rhydian on the slide...

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Chickendinner are thinking the unthinkable. Could Rhydian have peaked too soon?

While Rhydian [26.0] to go is the least likely of the four remaining contestants to be voted off, he still has a problem: no one will fancy him. The hair, the bodybuilding sessions in the tabloids, the whole "I love the church" thing - it's a massive turn off. The two previous male winners [Steve Brookstein, series one; Shayne Ward, series two] both had great voices, but underneath the sheen and polish, they had the look of men who would plough naked through the Chinawhite guest list. Rhydian, a virgin, would be more likely to sing a girl a carol, then get an early one - "Big day tomorrow!" Sex appeal is a massive vote magnet so he could eventually come unstuck. Just not this week.

Same Difference [2.1 to go] have even less sex appeal, and the nation should finally be rid of their gruesome cheesiness this week. They're doing Chain Reaction. At this stage of the competition, there shouldn't be enough oxygen left for a novelty act, and what little there is should go to Rhydian.

Moving smartly to fill the sex appeal void, is the little man Leon [5.7 to go]. Growing in stature as the competition progresses, he would surely take to the snazzy Soho circuit like a young man possessed. Predicted conquests include: Bianca Gascoigne, Chanelle.
Already he is starting to show some X Factor quality - he has a good strong voice, and seems to combine Gareth Gates' [runner-up, Pop Idol] vulnerability with Will Young's [winner, Pop Idol] jazz leanings. If he makes it through at the weekend, and Same Difference go, he is best placed to inherit their votes, and might find himself with a fanbase to take on the Rhydler. He's going to give How Sweet it is to be Loved by You a bash.

And still not to be counted out is Niki [2.98 to go]. Of all the contestants she has the voice to suit big sexy ballads, and this week she's going to thunder her way through One Moment In Time [chickendinner has been urging her to do Whitney for weeks now, so thanks for finally listening, Niki]. A good choice, and one that should have child-hating dinner ladies sobbing in their living rooms, deeply moved. As things stand, she looks an unlikely winner, but has booked her ticket to be the madame in charge of prostitutes in Chicago [the musical]. She should, however, stroll into the final - no season has gone by without an older contestant in the top three.