Simon Cowell is reportedly betting against his own acts, as The X Factor approaches its final stages.

Cowell has two artists left in the competition, in the form of Ray and Leona, and although the latter is currently the bookies' favourite to claim the £1 million prize, rumours suggest that the music guru has secretly backed another singer.

A source has claimed that Cowell placed a £1,000 bet on rocker Ben Mills, who is coached by Sharon. It is suspected, however, that the move could be an attempt to double bluff the voting public.