X Factor: Paul plummets down the rankings, Stevi marches on

This year’s X Factor contestants went all out for Halloween’s Fright Night with one act in particular enduring an absolute horror show.

Paul Akister’s very public falling out with Simon Cowell has put the star’s reality TV future in severe doubt, at least according to Ladbrokes.

The bookmaker makes the 25-year-old from Lancashire the 5/2 favourite to be the next act to leave the show following his high-profile spat with the music mogul and mentor Mel B.

While he bossed the stage with his performance of Meatloaf’s Like a Bat Out of Hell, his alleged off-camera sulks about the song choice put him in the firing line with Simon.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “Paul’s diva-like behaviour is putting his place in the competition at serious risk, and the early money suggests Simon’s not the only one who’s had enough of him as punters want him eliminated.”

Here’s how we saw week four pan out.

Our X Factor weekly rankings:

3-Up

Stevi Ritchie

Our man delivered his best performance yet with his take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Music of the Night producing a standing ovation.

He loved it, we loved it and long may Stevi’s stint as a reality TV king continue.

Andrea Faustini

Even when dressed as Goldmember, this kid could do no wrong. He’s the standout favourite, probable show winner and a Christmas Number One is his to throw away.

Only the Young

Fair play to this lot. Having been widely tipped to get the boot they pulled it out of the bag.

OK, it was only Monster Mash but it was good to see an act having fun, especially having just survived a nerve-wracking sing-off during the previous week.

3-Down

Paul Akister

Don’t mess with Simon, don’t get on the wrong side of Scary Spice. Sure, you’re entitled to your own opinions. But you do realise who’s running things around here, don’t you?

Stereo Kicks

Get these guys out as soon as possible. The show’s producers have really messed up with this 8-piece shambles. They’re tuneless, lacking a leader and devoid of any personality. The world doesn’t need a boyband like this.

Jay James

The former flavour of the month has fallen out of the reckoning in recent weeks with his limp rendition of Mad World drawing criticism from Cheryl.

He’ll retain a core following but when we come round to the business end of the competition the 31-year-old from Essex may well be found out.

The X Factor winner

Paul Akister 5/2
Only The Young 11/4
Stereo Kicks 3/1
Stevi Ritchie 4/1
Jay James 12/1
Fleur East 12/1
Ben Haenow 16/1
Lauren Platt 33/1
Andrea Faustini 66/1

For a full list of X Factor betting markets click here.

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

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