MONEY is on Jahmene Douglas becoming a star as he becomes a hot favourite to win the X Factor.

Bookies across the town have short odds on the former Asda worker winning the show, putting him a close second behind favourite Ella Henderson.

The shy 21-year-old started as favourite with punters at the beginning of the show with bookies offering odds of only 5/1, but he has drifted recently as nerves appear to have got the better of him in the pre-recorded episodes of the ITV1 show.

Ella is the 5/4 favourite to win with Jahmene hot on her heels alongside James Arthur, who are both currently at 6/1.

Former New College student Jahmene is the favourite of the boys though, with bookies William Hill giving odds of even money for him to finish best of Nicole Scherzinger’s acts.

The Swindon Talent 2010 winner won over his group’s mentor with his rendition of Titanium last weekend to book his place in the live finals.

Paul Rattue, manager of William Hill in Covingham Square, said that he had already had a few enquiries about the odds for Jahmene but expected support to grow as the show goes on.

“With these live reality TV shows, as they go on they become more popular with customers and people start putting money on,” he said.

“We have never had a Swindon act in it before so I can’t say whether we will see an increase in trade because of Jahmene but I think it will help and I anticipate people getting behind him.

“We have had a few people come in interested about the prices but because he only went through last weekend I am sure we will get more interest.”

Support is also growing on the streets of Swindon as people get behind the homegrown talent.

Sarah Leo, 27, of Covingham, said: “It is great to see someone from Swindon doing so well. I think as he gets further there will be more support for him.

“He has a great voice and I hope he gets as far as possible.”

l The Adver are giving one online reader a chance to win a Frankie and Benny’s voucher and show their support for Jahmene at the same time.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is print off our exclusive Jahmene poster and send us a picture of you with it, wherever you have chosen to display it.

For full details of how to enter and the closing date, log on to our website www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk You can also enter on our Facebook page and on Twitter.

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