Jade Richards can use Alexandra Burke as X Factor inspiration

Jade Richards was perhaps the most unlucky contestant to fail to make the live shows of X Factor last year, but she has returned for a second crack and is among the early favourites for victory.

Asda worker Jahmene Douglas remains at the head of The X Factor betting at 6/1, but Jade is only marginally behind at 8/1.

Her rendition of the Amy Winehouse song Love Is A Losing Game may have been missed by some X Factor fans, as it was not aired on the prime-time show on ITV1.

Instead, it was confined to The Xtra Factor, meaning that Jade may slip under the radar of many punters who may be unaware that she has returned.

Therefore, when she is aired at bootcamp or a later stage and the public remembers her, Jade’s price for victory has a good chance of shortening.

She was as short as 7/1 to win The X Factor last year, but was sent home by Kelly Rowland, who preferred to take Janet Devlin, Amelia Lily and Sophie Habibas through to the live shows from the ultra competitive girl’s category.

There was some uproar after this decision and Jade should have retained some of the fanbase she gained 12 months ago, while sympathy votes may also head her way.

With Ella Henderson (7/1) and Lucy Spraggan (10/1) already also known to be in the girl’s category and auditions still ongoing, this group is threatening to be tough to predict again.

However, with Kelly off the judging panel, this will offer a boost to Jade, alongside the success of Alexandra Burke.

Alexandra returned in the following year after going home at the judges’ house stage and went on to win the show.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.