X Factor news: Leon making a dash

Could this be the biggest face-off since stuttering Gareth Gates eyeballed Will Young?

Still singing: Opera, Scot, MILF, Revolting

For weeks now the judges have been telling Leon that he is going to be the “dark horse of the competition”, which seems a bit silly now that they’re in the semi-finals. When exactly does a “dark horse” stop being dark and just become an everyday horse, like Rhydian or Niki? And when are they going to get rid of those smiling donkeys that keep ruining Saturday nights with their stupid stupid songs?

Rhydian (1/3)
Still the favourite, but his alarming lack of sex appeal (gay?/not gay?) might yet drive the more hormonal teenagers in the direction of Leon - more steamy, boyish, and rampantly heterosexual (he’s been having it off with a member of Hope, apparently). It’s not in the bag yet.

Leon (4/1)
Now building up a head of steam in the competition, Leon no longer resembles a terrified hostage doing karaoke at gunpoint, and the judges are starting to lavish him with praise. Should he continue to improve, everyone will be on ‘big upset’ alert.

Niki (7/1)
A great singer from the start, Niki’s consistency has made her boring.
She needs to prove her worth, and with the contestants choosing their own songs next week, she would be wise to peruse Whitney Houston’s back catalogue.

Same Difference (12/1)
Fast forward ten years and Same Difference could make for an interesting “Where are they now…” documentary – of course, by then they’ll both be furious alcoholics, tearing down billboards, shouting at geriatrics, slurring Wham lyrics in family pubs to the muffled sound of children crying in the background. As for the present, forget about it!