Mel B In Line To Benefit From Barlow’s X-Factor Step Down

Gary Barlow has intimated that this year could be his last on the X-Factor as a judge and William Hill are now betting on who will replace him. Mel B is the 6/4 favourite with Cheryl Cole 6/1 to make a sensational return – the same price as Simon Cowell.

“With his Take That commitments and a potential solo career in the offing Barlow’s time will be stretched even thinner and after a suitably scathing performance during auditions, Mel B could be the one to benefit,” said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly.

Jahmene and James are the 11/8 joint favourites to win the show this year with Union J 8/11 favourites for the chop this weekend

To permanently replace Gary Barlow as X-Factor judge: 6/4 Mel B; 6/1 Cheryl Cole; 6/1 Simon Cowell; 8/1 Sharon Osbourne

X-Factor winner: 11/8 Jahmene Douglas; 11/8 James Arthur; 9/2 Christopher Maloney; 8/1 Union J

Next elimination: 8/11 Union J; 2/1 Christopher Maloney; 6/1 James Arthur; 8/1 Jahmene Douglas