Stick with Christopher Maloney in X Factor forecast bet

Christopher Maloney may not be fancied by Ladbrokes to win the X Factor but that shouldn’t put you off backing him in a straight forecast bet.

The former cruise ship singer can be backed to win the show outright at a decent 4/1 but far better odds of 8/1 are available for him to win with either James Arthur or Jahmene Douglas finishing as runner up.

Those odds actually make it worth considering a punt on each outcome with a guaranteed profit if Christopher comes through to win.

However, if you feel that’s cheating, then lumping some cash on Christopher and Jahmene to finish first and second may be the best way of turning in a serious profit.

James has suffered a bit of negative press this week following his twitter spat with comedian Frankie Boyle. The Scot tweeted that the singer looked like “a cross between a tramp and a duckling”, with Arthur responding by telling Boyle he would “f*** him up” if they were to ever come face-to-face.

While it may not put off people who like James because, by X Factor standards, he’s pretty edgy and plays a guitar, it’s hardly the kind of behaviour to endear him to those who prefer the clean-cut Jahmene.

There’s also the fact that Jahmene has never appeared in the bottom two, while Arthur was in there as recently as three weeks ago, suggesting his joint favouritism at 5/4 may be just a little short.

There is absolutely no guarantee of Christopher winning the show but, as we explained earlier in the week, he stands a brilliant chance and undoubtedly offers up the best chance of turning a tidy profit in the build up to Christmas.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date