Throat bug could help Mary avoid being next X Factor elimination

Mary Byrne is 4/1 to be the tenth X Factor elimination this week, but the fact that she has been impacted by a throat infection may actually be a positive for her chances of remaining on the show.

The 50-year-old is one of two acts mentored by Louis Walsh still left in the show, but her popularity appears to be falling of late because of the lack of change in any of her performances.

Although undoubtedly a good singer, many voters appear to have become bored of her one-dimensional style and lack of performance as week after week she simply stands behind a microphone, sways her hips and sings.

And with relatively surprise eliminations in Aiden Grimshaw and Paije Richardson occurring in the last two weeks, there was a strong chance that Mary was the likely candidate to complete the hat-trick.

However, with contestants having to sing two songs this week, Mary has been struck down by a second throat bug, having already overcome one earlier in the competition.

This meant she was unable to finish her rehearsals and has resulted in a visit to the doctor, where hopes are that she will be given the all-clear to perform ‘All I Want Is You’ by U2 and The Pretenders hit ‘Brass In Pocket’.

But in the past, acts that have not been at 100 per cent have often received a sympathy vote from the voting public and this could easily happen to Mary as she has a high number of supporters.

Despite, seemingly turning a corner last week when avoiding being in the bottom two of the public vote, Katie Waissel is the 5/4 favourite to be the tenth act eliminated from the X Factor.

A £10 bet on Mary being the next act out of the X Factor could lead to a win of £40. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.