[Spike]

Lulu has emerged as the bookies' favourite to replace Sharon Osbourne on The X Factor.

Ladbrokes have named the Scottish singer as the 2/1 favourite after a flurry of bets from punters. The firm had previously been accepting bets on her X Factor chances at 8/1.

Nick Weinberg, Ladbrokes' spokesman, said: "It's been one-way traffic for Lulu. In terms of the betting, she's got the X Factor."

American Idol judge Paula Abdul, who previously joined the X Factor panel as a guest in series three, is at 3/1, as is Kylie Minogue, the sister of current judge Dannii. Sharon's daughter Kelly is seen as her fourth most likely successor, with bets being taken at 4/1.

ITV announced that Osbourne had quit the talent series yesterday. However, Ladbrokes are offering odds of 5/6 on the fiery judge returning to the show.

Weinberg said: "We've lost track of the amount of times we've heard that Sharon's to quit. There's every chance it could be another stunt."

DS

[MR.K!]

i wont be watching the X factor this year if Sharon has left, without her its just a load of sh*te

[Benji]

i agree - without sharon there is no comedic element, I enjoy sharon very much, but without her it will be very different and so inturn i will not be watching if sharon isnt on the panel.

[xDramatick]

PLEASE NO.

Either Sharon Osbourne or Paula Abdul.
Or maybe even Kylie.
But not Lulu or Sinitta.

[Spike]

I would like a man to replace her. Maybe Pete Waterman or Randy Jackson if not Paula Abdule

[Princess]

Ooh I love Lulu! But the X Factor is nothing without Sharon.

[Arneldo]

PLEASE not Paula! Anyone but Paula.

[Tom4784]

WEEEEELLLLL! I definately want Paula to take over the job, she's hilarious! Plus she has a myriad of magical powers such as being able to see future performances and judging them and being able to look into people's 'aura's and colours'

Paula Abdul for X Factor!

[jkp44]

Sharon is just a jealous old hag In my opinion she couldn't even be mature about having another female judge I mean how pathetic is that, she is like a 55yr old women that's probably had more surgery than flippin Janice Dickinson and Michael Jackson put together so she cant talk about the way dannii looks and saying that she has had botox and all the crap she comes out with. I used to like her but she is to imature for me, it's unfortunate that she couldn't be more professional and keep her differences with Dannii aside.

[Tom]

I'd like Jamelia to judge ... shes a bitch and shes controversial. Shes also had some success.