I break betting odds news as it happens, so you’re never left behind when the market moves or a top offer lands.
- The Sun reported earlier this month that production company Talkback Thames and ITV chiefs are in top-level talks on launching a revamped version of The X Factor.
- Maya Jama leads the host market at 6/4 (40.0% implied probability), just ahead of Dermot O'Leary at 2/1 (33.3%), with Holly Willoughby further back at 7/2 (22.2%).
- Perrie Edwards tops the judging panel betting at 4/6 (60.0%), with Simon Cowell close behind at evens (50.0%)
Talks Reportedly Underway For X Factor Return
Two big questions are already doing the rounds after reports emerged of a possible X Factor comeback: who would host it, and who would sit behind the judges' desk?
The Sun reported earlier this month that production company Talkback Thames and ITV chiefs are in top-level talks on launching a revamped version of the contest, and the betting experts are already looking at how the show will be put together.
Nothing has been signed off publicly, but that hasn't stopped speculation building fast around exactly who might front a reboot and who could return to judging duties, particularly given the show's history of shifting line-ups across its various panels over the years.
The X Factor was a genuine ratings powerhouse throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, launching the careers of artists including One Direction and Little Mix, so any hint of a proper return is always going to generate plenty of interest, both from viewers and the experts.
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To Host The X Factor
Here's how the host market currently stands, sorted from shortest to longest odds.
| The X Factor Reboot Host | Odds* | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Maya Jama | 6/4 | 40.0% |
| Dermot O'Leary | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Holly Willoughby | 7/2 | 22.2% |
| Rylan Clark | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Bradley Walsh | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Dermot O'Leary, a familiar face to viewers from his own stint hosting the show previously, isn't far behind Maya Jama at 2/1 (33.3%).
Holly Willoughby sits at 7/2 (22.2%), with Rylan Clark (4/1) and Bradley Walsh (6/1) completing the current list.
To Be A Judge On The X Factor
The judging panel market tells its own story, with two names standing out well clear of the rest.
| Be A Judge On The X Factor Reboot | Odds* | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Perrie Edwards | 4/6 | 60.0% |
| Simon Cowell | EVS | 50.0% |
| Leona Lewis | 6/4 | 40.0% |
| Jade Thirlwall | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Cheryl | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Harry Styles | 4/1 | 20.0% |
Reports have already linked former Little Mix member Perrie Edwards to returning to the show where she was found as a judge.
Fellow Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall also features in the market just ahead of former judge Cheryl.
Cheryl will be a coach on The Voice UK, which may well stop her returning to The X Factor.
*As betting sites currently aren't taking bets on this event, odds have been compiled as theoretical probability from an entertainment perspective only and come from an industry expert
Why These Names Make Sense
It's not hard to see the logic behind several of the shorter prices here. Cheryl, Leona Lewis and Jade Thirlwall all have genuine X Factor pedigree of their own, having either judged or been discovered by the show in the past, while Simon Cowell's fingerprints are all over the format regardless of who ends up fronting a new series.
On the hosting side, Dermot O'Leary's previous stint gives him an obvious edge in credibility, even if Maya Jama's broader profile across entertainment TV currently has her narrowly ahead in the betting.
Jama's 6/4 price gives her an implied 40.0% chance of landing the hosting gig.
What the expert says...
Where To Bet On The X Factor Reboot
For a wider look at where to find strong coverage of entertainment specials generally, OLBG's guide to the best entertainment betting sites is a good place to start.
