X Factor: Winner Tip

First published: 11-10-14

Attempting to tip the X Factor winner before the very first live show may seem like an act of folly but it’s a great time to pick up the best prices and it’s always fun to put your neck on the line!

The early favourite is pug-loving Andrea Faustini (9/4 Bet365) and he certainly can sing a bit. He’s a likeable character but history shows that the early favourite almost never wins, and often doesn’t even come close. Tamera Foster, Janet Devlin and Aiden Grimshaw anyone?

Next in the betting is ‘8 piece boy band’ at 5/1 (WilliamHill). To back these guys would surely be the ultimate shot in the dark. A group with no name comprised of lads thrown together at Boot Camp with no obvious chemistry or dynamic. Is that any wonder when you expect a 14-year-old to bond with a 20-year-old?

Instead of these ‘contenders’, I’m going to be backing Ben Haenow at best odds of 11/2 with Skybet.

The 29-year-old fits the profile of a classic X-Factor winner. With a distinctive, gravelly voice, he has already shown his range with a show-stopping rendition of ‘Hotel California’, following a heartfelt performance of ‘Wild Horses’. He was perhaps a little shouty when covering the Stones, but had seemingly learnt from his feedback by Judges’ Houses.

That ability to get better is key and he has the right mentor to succeed in Simon Cowell. A van driver by trade we have the ‘story’ required, his stage presence and personality is reminiscent of Olly Murs and looks aren’t going to be an issue, particularly when you consider that Matt Cardle won this show.

All things considered Haenow looks to be the one to beat and we should back him now before the markets wake up to the fact.