Matt goes odds-on for the first time to be crowned X Factor winner

Matt Cardle’s show-stealing performance of ‘Knights In White Satin’ has ensured that there is an odds-on favourite to win the X Factor for the first time this series.

Dannii Minogue’s last remaining act has been at the head of the betting odds market since the start of the live shows, but has now been installed at 8/11 to be crowned winner.

Five acts still remain in the competition as the semi-finals beckon after the much-maligned Wagner and Katie Waissel finally getting the boot from the show, and it is almost a given that Matt will at worst progress through to the final.

Meanwhile, despite Cheryl Cole still having two acts left in the competition, Dannii is also 4/5 to be the mentor of the winning category.

One of the reasons why Matt has continued to gain support is due to the fact he takes risks with his song choices and has mixed it up.

Matt has performed both old and current songs, while shining in both big productions and when doing a sessions style performance where he sits down with his guitar.

Rebecca Ferguson was arguably his biggest challenger in the X Factor winners betting odds market, but her performances have gone a bit stale of late as the pressure increases.

Both Rebecca and Mary Byrne are both very repetitive in terms of standing in front of a microphone and singing songs in similar styles each week and this is arguably impacting their votes from the public.

Rebecca is 4/1 to win the X Factor, with Mary the biggest betting price of the five at 50/1.

The only real challenge to Matt winning the show now realistically comes from One Direction, as they are sure to rack up the votes from all the female teenage voters and they are 10/3.

A £10 bet on Rebecca being the 12th X Factor elimination could lead to a return of £100. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.