X Factor favourite Rhydian closes in on Christmas number one

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The 24-year-old opera singer was in the studio last week recording a version of Mariah Carey's When You Believe, which is likely to sail to the top of the charts if it is released as planned on December 17.

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Rhydian Roberts: Has already recorded the single he hopes will be a Christmas number one

Bookies gave him odds of 4-11 to steal the top title, putting him in an even stronger position than last year's winner Leona Lewis at the same point in the competition.

Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "That is despite the field being stronger a year ago.

"Rhydian has talent but he also benefits from the weakness of his rivals. He has had things all his own way in recent weeks."

The singer, from Powys, Wales, is already said to be considering offers of a record deal, understood to be worth a six-figure-sum.

Behind him is Leon Jackson, an 18-year-old shop assistant from West Lothian heralded by judge Simon Cowell as the British Michael Buble.

He was given odds of 4-1, with school cook Niki Evans, 34, from Birmingham, in third place at 7-1.

Together with the bands Same Difference and Hope - the latter of which was voted off on Saturday - all five recorded the Mariah Carey single in the hope that one would get to release it when they win.

But it was Roberts who won unanimous praise from the judging panel when he performed Somebody To Love and I Vow To Thee My Country on Saturday.

Judge Louis Walsh described his performance as "powerful, engaging and amazing" while Cowell said he was "outstanding".