X Factor News: Six left, only three can win

Who's going to have an ace Crimbo, and whose is going to be rubbish?

Still singing: Rhydian, Niki, Leon, Same Diffs, Hope, Bev

For those no longer sobbing and confused after the sinister car crash of disco week, X Factor has promised to get back to normal for next week. It says sorry, relax, everything is going to be alright. If only the same could be said for Christmas at Hope's house. Now that their dream appears to be dissolving rapidly, expect smashed sherry bottles, ferociously ripped apart trees, and five seriously bricked up television sets. Meanwhile, Rhydian/Leon/Niki will be enjoying a wonderful goose dinner, feeling great about winning the X Factor. Or will they?

Hope
Spoiling things for Hope are revelations that they keep going at it hammer and tongs with fellow contestants (first Leon, now Daniel), and their Saturday night outfits were revolting (catsuits, but baggy). Girls won't like them, boys don't vote. Could be next?

Beverley
Has already featured in the bottom two, so can't win (no winner has ever experienced bottom two status). Neither good enough at singing, nor interesting enough when not.

Same Difference
How long before the joke is over? They certainly won't win, and destiny suggests a double-seat on a tour bus alongside Steve Brookstein, Chico and Rik Waller.

Leon
Since he turned up to the auditions by himself, everyone has felt sorry for Leon - the permed mum, the rubbish house, the job "folding trousers". And now that he's finding his form, he could be the dark horse (Will Young, Pop Idol).

Niki
Looked exactly like a singing dinner lady on Saturday, so she needs to unleash some Whitney to get back into contention. One good week and she could run things tight.

Rhydian
Minogue over-egged the pudding this week, and Rhydian will have alienated middle England's numeous homophobes - yes, ‘camp’ has always been popular, but retired policemen/soldiers will have been disgusted by the overt gayness polluting their manly living rooms. Barring a hugely misinformed decision to wear leather underpants and a studded dog collar, expect to see Rhyds playing ‘normal’ next time.