He is tipped at 1/3 ahead of sibling duo Same Difference and Scotsman Leon Jackson, who are tied with odds of 9/2.

Ladbrokes has reported a surge of bets on Sean and Sarah Smith, who formed Same Difference, raising the prospect of a surprise result.

Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and opera star Katherine Jenkins will perform duets with the finalists.

Cheerful

Leon - whose mentor is Dannii Minogue - will be paired with Kylie.

In addition, each contestant will sing a Christmas song and their favourite number from the competition.

Same Difference and Jason Donovan will join together, while Katherine Jenkins will accompany Rhydian.

Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "Current favourite Rhydian is more vulnerable than Leona was last year and punters are beginning to sense an upset."

Same Difference, who have become popular with viewers thanks to their cheerful performances, are mentored by Simon Cowell, who initially called them "potentially the most annoying people I've ever met".

Fellow judge Louis Walsh has insisted they should not have progressed so far in the competition and do not have a future in the music business.

Rhydian's performances have been a mixture of high camp and strong vocals, while Leon has carved himself a niche as a swing singer.

The winner of the competition will secure a £1m record contract and is likely to top the UK's Christmas singles chart.

(BBC)

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