[Arneldo]

Fewer than a thousand votes separated Ray and Leona last weekend, according to Simon Cowell.

The pair's mentor said that this weekend's final - one he described as a "punters' final" - would be "the closest competition I've ever been involved with in my life".

"I can't call it," he added. "The public have to decide. There are going to be five or six million new voters on Saturday night who haven't voted in previous shows and they're going to go for the top performance on the night."

The final airs Saturday from 7pm on ITV1.

From: DS

[GlitterEyes]

Quite a shock that people seem to think both artists are quite close, alot of cash been going on Ray last 3 days so maybe the underdog can pull it off once again. Gareth lost out to Will on Pop Idol so be good seeing it happen again.

[BBFan91]

that is quite close!!

[GlitterEyes]

This was a while ago, not based on tonight. Somehow I think tonights result wasn't as close as they made it out to be.

[BBFan91]

Originally posted by GlitterEyes
This was a while ago, not based on tonight. Somehow I think tonights result wasn't as close as they made it out to be.

ye, tru!!

[James]

Notice how Kate Thornton said it was 'very close' then just 'close'. Somehow I think that is code for 'not close at all'.

[BBFan91]

Originally posted by James
Notice how Kate Thornton said it was 'very close' then just 'close'. Somehow I think that is code for 'not close at all'.

mmmm.
Ye, the votes could have varied throughout the show's transmission!!