Bookies: "Final too close to call"

Ladbrokes have been forced to slash the odds of G4 winning the X Factor ahead of tonight's final, leaving the two remaining acts neck and neck in the betting.

A spokesman told DS: " The final is too close to call, bookies see it like the toss of a coin. Support for G4 has been flooding in all week and they are now neck and neck with Steve. Raw talent doesn't matter now, it's all about who provides the biggest performance on the night."

G4's odds have been cut from 11/10 to 5/6 bringing them in line with Steve, whose odds have drifted to 4/6 to 5/6.

Bookies are now cheering on G4 in the race to the winning post; otherwise, they will have a six figure payout on their hands if Steve wows the viewers in tonight's final.

"We're hoping that Steve doesn't hit his notes otherwise we'll be shelling out fifty pound notes. We prefer the harmony of G4 to a six figure payout."