X Factor Betting: Rhydian, Same Difference - hold on, it is 2008 isn't it?

X-Factor / Jack Houghton / 22 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Jack Houghton's in raptures two of his old favourites return this week, with an added helping of Take That on top. The contestants are singing the great boyband's hits tonight and that's bad news for beleaguered Rachel.

Rhydian's back. He's the one with the big hair. You know - the Welsh opera chap who came second last year. He's announced a UK tour to promote his self-titled new album and is coming on the show to kick things off. I can't wait.

But hang on, that's not all. Same Difference (third place last year) are also back. They are the brother-sister are-they-aren't-they act who did all that High School Musical stuff last year. Brother-sister groups haven't had a great history on the show. Remember that blind dude and his sister from a few series' back? They were rubbish. Lacked vision. But Same Difference were different class. It'll be great to welcome them back.

"X-Factor stop! You're really spoiling us," I can hear you cry. But wait. There's more. Insiders tell me Take That are also appearing, although not live. There was some scheduling mix-up, and they will actually be in Manchester at the same time as appearing "live" on the X-Factor. Oh well. Live, not live? It's still Take That for cripes sake.

And all this year's contestants will be singing one of their tunes. JLS have picked Back For Good and should sail through on that. I've wasted 3pts in opposing them the last couple of weeks but have now realised they are likely to come third. So there it is. The final three will be Eoghan, Diana and JLS. And that's the order they'll finish too. On this basis it's time to oppose Cheryl in the Winning Manager market. Her price is being kept artificially low by the presence of Alexandra who, whilst talented and grrrr-fit, won't win. So I recommend a 3pts lay of Cheryl at [1.72] in the Winning Manager market.

182,000 people auditioned for this series of X-Factor. Is Rachel really in the top six of all those? Apparently so. But she's had yet another bad week.

A series of pow-pow gun gestures when heading into the sing-off with mono-ginger Daniel during the last show led to viewer complaints and an Ofcom investigation into whether she was condoning gun use. Coupled with reports saying she was sentenced to community service after breaking in to some old woman's house and mugging her - right before being jailed for attempted burglary (and re-jailed after breaching bail conditions (Doh!)) - means her stock is currently trading somewhere near Citigroup levels. This week, surely, we'll be rid of her? She's singing Rule The World - which won't suit - and it will be a miracle if she survives. I recommend a maximum 4pts bet at [1.89] that she'll be eliminated at last.

Ruth is favourite to join Rachel in the sing-off tonight, which is not surprising. Of the remaining six contestants, they are the only two to have experienced voter unpopularity, twice each. But I think Ruth is getting better as this crapshoot rolls forward, and her price to be in the bottom two looks too short. I recommend a 2pts lay of her at [1.41] in the Bottom Two Acts market.

In an otherwise quiet X-Factor news week, Gary Barlow is apparently so impressed by Diana he's said he'll sign her if Simon doesn't. But Simon might be busy. Rumours abound he's trying to buy the rights to Strictly. Flippin 'eck Cowell. What's next? Why don't you just buy up my local offie, bookies and curry house? Then you'll own my entire weekend.

Anything else? Oh yes, Gordon Brown has sent a letter to Daniel to thank him for his part in the Heroes record. He also said he thought comments from judges suggesting Daniel only appealed to pensioners were inaccurate, because the PM himself was a fan. Aw, bless you Gordon.

Recommended:

3pts lay of Cheryl at [1.72] in Winning Manager market.
4pts back of Rachel at [1.89] in 7th Elimination market.
2pts lay of Ruth at [1.41] in Bottom Two Acts market.

Already Recommended:

1pt back of Diana at [9.4] in Winner market.
1pt back of Eoghan at [14.5] in Winner market.
1pt back of Simon at [3.7] in Winning Manager market.
1pt back of Ruth at [2.7] in 25 and Overs market.
2pts back of Eoghan at [6.0] in Winner 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)