Joe McElderry's X Factor win is set to cost bookmakers a "fortune", according to a report. Bookies William Hill have revealed that they face paying out a "seven figure sum" on the win by the 18-year-old on Sunday night.
The firm told the Daily Mirror that they also face making further payouts if the Geordie lad manages to secure the No1 slot in the Christmas record charts with his debut single.
Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams told the newspaper that they faced a bumper payout following McElderry's triumph over X Factor rival Olly Murs.
He said: "Our shops in Newcastle have all but run out of money and our staff are in danger of getting RSI they have paid out so many winning bets."
The firm also confirmed that Mel B is the front runner in the race to become the next X Factor judge.
The bookmaker has the former Spice Girl at 5/1 shot to join Simon Cowell on the panel in 2010.
Other odds on other potential judges include 10/1 Lily Allen, 10/1 Will Young, 12/1 Sharon Osbourne, 12/1 Paula Abdul, 14/1 Eminem, 14/1 Gary Barlow, 33/1 Victoria Beckham, 33/1 Emma Bunton, 33/1 Piers Morgan, 33/1 Madonna, 33/1 Geri Halliwell, 66/1 Susan Boyle and 100/1 Jedward.
This article is powered by Well Contented Ltd
