MANCHESTER: Bookies are expecting millions of pounds to be gambled on this year's X-Factor.

The talent competition's seventh series starts this Saturday and according to Mark Pearson from Betfred.com it's going to be a record breaker.

"The British public now vote for their favourite with their wallet. Millions will be gambled on the hopefuls and we'll be taking on extra staff to cover results night. Punters steam in on the next act to be eliminated."

Betfred.com have already priced up who will be the winning manager, with Simon Cowell the favourite at 15/8 and Cheryl Cole ,who won last year with Joe McElderry, the second favourite at 15/8.

Mark Pearson added, "As soon the first note is hit or missed in the auditions we will open the market on the winner. We will be betting throughout the auditions, boot camps, presenter houses' visits and of course the live shows. Hopefully us bookies won't be out of tune because last year's winner Joe McElderry cost us a few quid."

Which manager will win The X Factor 2010?

    
    Simon Cowell          15/8
    Cheryl Cole            2/1
    Danni Minogue          7/2
    Louis Walsh            4/1

Which manager will be the first to have all of their designated acts eliminated from The X Factor 2010?

    
    Louis Walsh            7/4
    Danni Minogue          2/1
    Cheryl Cole            7/2
    Simon Cowell           4/1

Contact: mark.pearson@betfred.com