Alexandra, Eoghan and JLS on X Factor final

Up to 15 million TV viewers are expected to tune in for the final of X Factor. Alexandra Burke is the favourite to win the ITV1 talent show, despite a huge surge in popularity for boyband JLS. Eoghan Quigg, who has become famous for his close relationship with former contestant Diana Vickers, is least likely to win the £1 million record contract, according to bookmaker Ladbrokes. JLS have attracted more money in the final week of X Factor than any other act in the show's history, raising their odds of winning have risen from 9/2 to 9/4 since Monday. Alexandra is still the 8/13 favourite to win the show, while Eoghan is 9/2. Judge Simon Cowell has added extra pressure by saying that winning is essential to secure a record contract in the current economic climate. Asked if he was going to sign up any of the other contestants, he said: "I'm not going to make any decisions at this time. I think under the current climate I would say it was more important to win the show this year than any other year. Like every other business the record business is tougher than it was last year." In a rare show of unity, Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Minister have urged voters to back Eoghan. Democratic Unionist leader Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness called on everyone in the region to pick up their phones and support the local favourite in tonight's final.

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ITN | December 13, 2008

Tags:. .quigg. .famous. .ladbrokes. .bookmaker. .northern