Saundersfoot's Jay James has emerged as the new favourite to be crowned this year's X Factor winner, according to the latest odds from bookies.

After securing his plane ticket to Los Angeles, the bookies saw a flurry of bets for Simon Cowell's leading man and have consequently cut his odds to 4/1.

However, it's a tight betting heat as he's followed closely by the eight-piece boyband and Andrea Faustini at odds of 5/1.

The 31-year-old former Navy fitness instructor's powerful performance of Run by Snow Patrol mesmerised the judges, got the six-chair contestants quaking in their boots and had the audience up on their feet with a standing ovation.

"You sing with such passion," Mel B told Jay, who was the last one up in Simon's over 25s category in Saturday night's show.

Cheryl added: "I first wasn't sure, and towards the end you could literally feel the room change."

However, it was Simon Cowell who Jay had to impress more than anyone else. The music mogul had already filled all six of his seats for judges houses, so he had to be good enough to make the star want to drop one of his contestants.

Luckily for Jay, Cowell loved the song and said: "From the very first day you and I met I really felt you had the potential to be special. This is very simple, you have got a seat."

However, the episode ended there and viewers were kept on the edge of their seats overnight to see Simon ditch Raign to give Jay a place in the next round.