Punters pile in to Rihanna’s X Factor bid following Cowell’s pleas

Excitable punters and Simon Cowell are anxiously waiting to hear if Bajan beauty Rihanna is to become the fourth judge on the X Factor panel.

Ladbrokes go 6/4 that the music icon accepts Cowell’s overtures and joins the man himself, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole in the judging hot seat as he bids to revive the struggling show.

However, both Ellie Goulding and Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie are also attracting interest in the betting as Cowell is made to wait to see if he’s left in a hopeless place by the global superstar.

The former of the aforementioned pair is a 5/2 chance to be named as a judge on the UK version of the hit show with Fergie 6/1 to take a seat next to the already confirmed trio.

But it’s Rihanna’s recent trip to Britain that’s set the rumour mill into overdrive with her secret meeting with Cowell sparking huge interest.

RiRi was mobbed by fans upon arrival in London, and it’s that huge appeal that could help X Factor win the TV ratings war and topple rival show Strictly Come Dancing.

Elsewhere in the market, Ladbrokes have priced up plenty of other likely potential candidates as well as few more leftfield options.

Sharon Osbourne is a 10/1 shot to return to the show having appeared in the first four series between 2004 and 2007 before leaving the panel and crossing the Atlantic to feature in America’s Got Talent.

Meanwhile, 2009’s X Factor runner-up Olly Murs is 16/1 to appear on the panel with any member of One Direction available at 25/1 to sign-up to the show.

However, if you’re looking for a pretty outlandish bet then why not take on Cowell’s infamous ex-girlfriend Sinitta?

The ‘So Macho’ singer is 100/1 to make a shock appearance alongside the music maestro in the upcoming series.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.