William Hill have seen a gamble on Mel B to spice up the X factor and replace Sharon Osbourne as the new judge on the X Factor and she is now the 3/1 joint favourite with Paula Abdul. But the biggest surprise has been Britney Spears who has been backed from 33/1 to 10/1 to be the surprise package.

“Gambles such as these are usually with some foundation so we would be surprised if Britney and Mel B are not on the shortlist!,” said Hill’s spokesman Rupert Adams.