X Factor 2011 Week Six Betting Odds: How did Marcus Collins become the new bookies' favourite to win the competition?

LONDON, UK - The new favourite to win the X Factor after Week Five is Marcus Collins, who stole the position from the long-term market leader Janet Devlin with a belting rendition of Reet Petite which went down a treat with viewers.

So, given all the hype surrounding teenage sensation Janet Devlin, just why is Marcus Collins the new bookies’ favourite to win X Factor? And more importantly from a punting point of view, is he a worthy favourite?

1. Janet is boring

OK, so maybe we are being a tad harsh on the gorgeous Janet Devlin, but at least Gary Barlow is with us on this one. Janet started the show as the 9/2 favourite with bet365 after wowing X Factor viewers and YouTube fans with a sensational version of Elton John’s Your Song. Janet touched as short as 2/1 with Sporting Bet two weeks ago when Misha B sank into the bottom two, but in stark contrast to the entertaining Marcus Collins, Janet is becoming all too predictable.

She has strong regional support to rely on for votes in Ireland, but the cracks are starting to appear after Janet forgot the word to I Want You Back last weekend. Punters will also be drawing comparisons with the quirky Diana Vickers, who only made the semi-finals of X Factor, despite her obvious talent. Janet is now out to 7/2 with William Hill to win, but those odds cold drift further.

2. X Factor viewers love an 'improver'

It is undeniable that viewers love seeing an improver grow throughout the competition. Marcus has been the surprise package, starting off the live shows by being consistent, if not outstanding, but managing to peak at just the right time. Whereas Janet appears to be going backwards, Marcus manages to step it up each week and voters clearly appreciate how much work he is putting in behind in the scenes. The likes of Janet and Misha can appear cocky at times, but hairdresser Marcus is easier to relate to. Another positive is how he has coped against adversity, after being bullied for being gay and supporting his single mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

3. Marcus is a ray of sunshine in a shambolic show

First it was Frankie staying in the show against all the odds and not actually being able to sing, then it was The Risk chopping and changing band members during the show, and the final straw came this week when the X Factor producers opened up the door for Amelia, Jonjo, 2 Shoes and James mid-way through the competition. The X Factor looks like it is on its final legs, and with Simon Cowell deserting the show, Marcus Collins is just about the only fun thing left. At 3/1 with Coral, he could still represent a good-value bet to win the show next month.

4. Marcus can actually dance!

Unlike the previous favourite Janet Devlin, who at times looks as if she is glued to the same spot on the stage, Marcus is a great dancer and is a class entertainer. We saw it last year with Rebecca Ferguson, who was the best singer, but appeared paralysed on stage. The fact that Marcus can dance should not be overlooked, but the question is, do the producers want another male solo singer to win X Factor? Last year's winner Matt Cardle has hardly been setting the world alight, and that could dent Marcus' chances.

The X Factor resumes on Saturday 12 November at 8.15pm GMT on ITV1.

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