Lulu is bookies' favourite to replace Sharon Osbourne on X Factor

Jun 8 2008 By Lynn Mcpherson

LULU yesterday emerged as shock favourite to join the X Factor judging panel after Sharon Osbourne's walk-out.

Bookies revealed the Scots singer was the 2/1 favourite after a run of big bets backing her. The Scots singer 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."

The 59-year-old showbiz veteran was a big hit as a mentor on American Idol, on which X Factor Mr Big 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."

Lulu was also backed by Scots songwriter John McLaughlin, who has written hits for bands including Westlife and Busted.

He said: "She's credible, a lovely woman and, to be honest, people were getting a bit bored of Sharon. She'd become a caricature of herself."

A spokesman for ITV refused to comment on potential replacements.

But he insisted Sharon's huffy departure over money is genuine - and not a PR stunt. Previous resignations and sackings have been miraculously resolved within days. He said: "It's not a publicity stunt, Sharon has definitely quit."

On American Idol, Cowell even teased fellow judge Paula Abdul that Lulu was going to replace her while the singer was acting as a mentor.

Other possible candidates to join Cowell, Walsh and Dannii Minogue on the show - won last year by Scot Leon Jackson - include Abdul at 3/1 and Sharon's daughter Kelly at 4/1.

Dannii's big sis Kylie is at 3/1 with chaotic singer Amy Winehouse at 100/1.

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