Does X mark the No1 spot?

Dec 16 2007 by Ken Oxley, Sunday Sun

SHAUN — and Vic — will have some tough competition to beat if they are to clinch the coveted Christmas number one slot.

According to bookies William Hill, the hot favourite to top the charts will be last night’s X Factor winner, who will doubtless follow in the footsteps of previous winners by rushing out a single immediately. Odds of 1/6 are being offered.

Meanwhile, outsiders Malcolm Middleton and a duet between Eva Cassidy and Katie Melua are being backed at odds of 16/1.

Hill’s spokesman Rupert Adams said: “Christmas number one looks like a done deal for the X Factor, but much of the industry is pushing less manufactured acts for the festive charts and there is a chance that the X Factor winner could get beaten.”

The odds are . . .

1/6 X Factor winner

6/1 Leona Lewis

10/1 Sugababes

10/1 Strictly Come Dancing

16/1 Malcolm Middleton

16/1 Eva Cassidy and Katie Melua

16/1 Soulja Boy

16/1 Lauren Rose

20/1 Shaun The Sheep

33/1 Connie Talbot

33/1 Andy Williams