X Factor Stars Set To Do Battle In 'Tightest Final Ever'
Marcus Collins, Little Mix and Amelia Lily are set to do battle in The X Factor final on Saturday (December 10, 2011), with bookmakers claiming the final three are virtually inseparable in the betting.
Following last week's semi-final, girl group Little Mix were widely regarded as the favorites to win the competition, though an announcement concerning tomorrow night's final has shaken things up a little. ITV have confirmed that each of the three acts will duet with their respective mentors, meaning Little Mix will take to the stage at Wembley Arena with Tulisa Contostavlos, Amelia with Kelly Rowland and Marcus with Gary Barlow - the latter of which could have the biggest influence on voters. The Take That frontman is perhaps the most popular of the judging line-up and a strong duet could see Marcus head into Sunday's results show as the favourite. Following the announcement, the young Liverpudlian has moved from the 5/2 outsider, to 2/1 second favorite. William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams explained, "The duet has played into Marcus's hands - he now has the momentum and it would be no great surprise if he goes on to win this". According to the Press Association, host DERMOT O'LEARY is having similar trouble picking a winner, saying, "It's my first year when we're going into the final and we don't really know who the favourite is".
Controversy has already marred this weekend's final though, with music retailer HMV releasing Amelia Lily's winning single on their website, without offering efforts by Little Mix or Marcus. The song is reportedly a cover of Damien Rice's Cannonball.
