X-Factor / Mike Norman / 03 November 2008 /

A big-priced big girl's blouse appears to have captured the imagination of the nation's elder ladies... But he was awful, protests Mike Norman as he looks ahead to the fifth elimination and prays for a nationwide bingo night.

When Daniel Evans sings, the over 60s listen. Don't Leave Me This Way he pleaded (I mean sang), and every grandmother in the UK picked up their phone and chose to save him, much to the despair of the eliminated Austin Drage.

It doesn't seem right that I'm starting this week's blog talking about the [140.0] outsider to win this year's X Factor, but oh sweet lord what the hell is going on? Mr Evans (at the very least I should address him politely) was awful on Saturday. I know it was Halloween weekend with plenty of horror on show, but this Ricky Gervais lookalike (stuff the politeness), singing this disco classic, was the biggest horror seen anywhere this side of a full moon.

It's Mariah Carey (diva) week next and Daniel must surely go. He is the current [1.54] favourite in the 5th Elimination market and to put things into perspective he is like a three-legged donkey running in a race against seven thoroughbred Derby winners. He should be in the bottom two and therefore should have his fate sealed by the judges, but unless we get it confirmed that the Danielettes will be attending a nationwide bingo night, then I'd keep my money firmly in my pocket.

Big improvers on Saturday were the only remaining group JLS ([11.0]). I've always liked these lads and I definitely think they will make it in the pop world, but the poor record of groups in the X Factor made it impossible to put them up as an early selection.

If I speak from the heart then these guys are the ones I want to win - they are slick, very professional and have some great vocals. They are gaining in confidence week by week and are now beginning to get some good comments. Unfortunately for us punters there aren't any profitable betting opportunities currently with them. They won't win the competition and their odds in that market are unlikely to shorten dramatically, whereas it's very doubtful that they will be eliminated ([12.5]) (or even be in the bottom two at [3.5]) this week.

The girls continue to dominate the competition (and the betting) after some good performances on Saturday. Diana Vickers is still the [2.8] favourite in the Winner market, just ahead of Alexandra Burke ([5.1]) and Laura White ([5.5]).

The biggest worry for Diana last week was whether she could pull off disco as well as she can pull off her shoes. Well amazingly, for the first time in the competition her shoes were on and in my opinion she wasn't at her best singing Blondie's Call Me. Still, she continues to put her own stamp on everything she sings, and more importantly, she is extremely popular and incredibly well liked (she is by far the most viewed contestant on youtube).

Laura and Alexandra arguably put in better performances than Diana and cemented their reputation for being able to belt out some big notes. Diva week may well suit Laura and Alexandra more than it will Diana also, making the Girls market even more unpredictable than it already is - Diana can be backed at [2.16], Laura at [2.86] and Alexandra the value at [3.35].

Hats off to my colleague Jack Houghton for putting up Rachel Hylton as a selection to be in the bottom two last week. She just about deserved to be there, though at least the sing-off gave her the opportunity to prove how good she can actually be. Admittedly she is only suited to one style of song, which gives her about as much flexibility as an amateur magician in a straight jacket, but when she is good she is very good. She is now out to [32.0] in the Winner market and is the second favourite at [7.2] in the fifth elimination market. Do I think she will go this week? Shock horror, no I don't! What do you think?

The Bottom Two Acts market has grabbed my attention this week. Assuming Daniel Evans is one of the acts to be there (though I wouldn't bet on it at [1.33]), then there are some fancy prices about other likely wooden spooners.

As stated above, I think Rachel ([1.96]) will be safe - it's just a hunch, nothing else. I also think that Ruth Lorenzo ([2.12]) has a powerful enough voice to shine doing a Mariah Carey/diva type song - as too does Alexandra ([9.2]) and Laura ([10.0]). JLS ([3.5]) will be absolutely fine, which just leaves Eoghan Quigg and Diana. At [5.5] and [15.0] respectively they are not amongst the most fancied to be in the bottom two, but the songs they are going to have to sing might not suit. It hasn't stopped either of them previously, but at their prices I'm willing to take a chance to small stakes - and if you leave a request up, you may well get matched at higher.

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