Singer Lulu has emerged as the bookies' favorite to replace Sharon Osbourne as a judge on The X Factor.
The 'Relight My Fire' singer was the 2/1 favorite after a run of big bets backing her. She was initially available at 8/1.
Nick Weinberg, of Ladbrokes, said, "It's been one-way traffic for Lulu. In terms of betting, she has the X Factor."
Lulu, 59, was a hit with US viewers after she appeared as a mentor on American Idol, on which X Factor overlord Simon Cowell is also a judge.
And she is managed by another X Factor judge, Louis Walsh.
An industry insider said, "Her music credentials are impeccable, and the public obviously believe she can do it.
"Simon knows she would bring real credibility to the show."
A spokesman for ITV refused to comment on potential replacements, but insisted Sharon's departure is genuine -- and not a PR stunt.
Previous resignations and sackings have been miraculously resolved within days. The spokesman said, "It's not a publicity stunt, Sharon has definitely quit."
Sharon, 55, quit the ITV talent show over her feud with fellow judge Dannii Minogue.
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