JOE MCELDERRY is the odds-on favourite at 1-2 to win the The X Factor 2009 this weekend, with Betfair punters suggesting that the Geordie already has one hand on the title.
Cheryl Cole’s protégé has shone in recent weeks and a succession of standing ovations from all four judges have ensured that he goes into the finale – which will be watched by 20 million people – as the man that the others need to catch.
Until Joe’s impressive late surge, Olly Murs was the long-time favourite, yet after seeing support tail off in recent weeks Simon Cowell’s act enters the final at 5-1 to win.
Sharing that price is Stacey Solomon, who has kept fans entertained throughout with her sultry tones and unique charm, but despite her popularity, a win for the ‘The Dagenham Diva’ appears unlikely.
Betfair spokesman Ari Last said: “According to the punters, Joe McElderry is a shoo-in, however in Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon he faces two contestants who have been extremely popular with the public throughout.
“He’ll have to be at his best to walk away with the crown but the odds look very much in favour of a McElderry-Cole triumph.”
The X Factor 2009 Winner – Betfair bet: 1-2 Joe McElderry, 5-1 Stacey Solomon, 5-1 Olly Murs
Final Contestants – Highest Traded Price: 14-1 Joe McElderry, 10-1 Stacey Solomon, 24-1 Olly Murs
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About Betfair: (www.betfair.com)
Betfair is the world’s biggest online betting community and pioneered the first successful betting exchange in 2000. Driven by cutting-edge technology, Betfair enables customers to choose their own odds and bet even after the event has started.
The company now processes over six million transactions a day from its two million registered customers around the world. In addition to sports betting, Betfair offers a portfolio of innovative products including casino, exchange games and poker.
Betfair has twice been named the UK’s ‘Company of the Year’ by the Confederation of British Industry and has won two prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, being recognised for Innovation in 2003 and most recently for International Trade in 2008.
Betfair currently employs over 1,500 people, principally in London, Malta and Tasmania. The company is a licensed betting operator in the UK, and holds licenses in Australia, Germany, Austria, Italy and Malta.
For further information:
Ari Last
Tel: +44 (0)208 834 6336
Mob: +44 (0)7841818563