Louis Tomlinson hot favourite to replace Grimmy on The X Factor

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is leading the way in the race to replace Nick Grimshaw on the X Factor judging panel.

The 24-year-old pop singer is the clear evens favourite to take the seat of the axed Radio 1 DJ with fans of the show already piling in to the pop heart-throb.

Tomlinson appeared as a guest of music mogul Simon Cowell at the Judges Houses stage of the most recent series but he could face competition from a few other familiar faces.

Louis Walsh is also fancied to re-appear as a judge this year at 2/1 ahead of Robbie Williams (3/1) and George Michael (4/1) while Sharon Osborne is 6/1 to return to the show.

Meanwhile, despite his reported financial problems, Kanye West is a 100/1 outsider to take a pay cheque from Simon Cowell for the next series.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “Louis Tomlinson has emerged as an X Factor favourite within minutes of Grimmy getting the sack. Fans of the show are convinced the job is his already.”

Click here for the latest X Factor odds.

Ladbrokes latest betting

To be a main judge on 2016 X Factor

Louis Tomlinson – Evens

Louis Walsh – 2/1

Robbie Williams – 3/1

George Michael – 4/1

Sharon Osborne – 6/1

Gary Barlow – 8/1

Zayn Malik – 10/1

Nicole Scherzinger – 10/1

Mel B – 10/1

Tulisa Constavolos – 16/1

will.i.am – 16/1

Paloma Faith – 20/1

Tom Jones – 25/1

Madonna – 100/1

Noel Gallagher – 100/1

Kanye West – 100/1

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