Punters 'abandon X Factor's Danyl'

X Factor contestant Danyl Johnson is no longer being backed by gamblers, it has been claimed.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has taken just one £50 bet on Johnson to win the series since the singer found himself in the bottom two on Sunday.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Danyl's plight came as a real shock. It's knocked punters' faith in him. We can't give him away at the moment."

Johnson was once the bookies' favourite to win the series. However, Cheryl Cole's protégé Joe McElderry has now taken his place in the betting.

Simon Cowell described his act's setback as "a joke" on Sunday night. He also suggested that press rumours about Johnson's behind-the-scenes behaviour were to blame for the surprise result.