Bookies are predicting that One Direction will boost the X Factor’s ratings on Saturday night as Simon Cowell looks to deliver the first blow in the head to head live shows.

Strictly Come Dancing also moves into it’s live rounds this weekend and when the shows go up against one another for the first time in 2012 tomorrow night, bookmakers believe the appearance of the 1D will give ITV the edge.

They have slashed the odds from 1/3 to 1/2 that the singing competition has the highest peak viewers on Saturday night, with Strictly out to 9/4.

“Simon is not leaving it to chance, his decision to roll out the big guns on week one shows that he is desperate to show Strictly who is boss,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.

Christopher Maloney is expected to be given the Wildcard on Saturday night and to become the 13th member of the X Factor finalists. Hills are offering odds of 2/5 on the 34 year old singer to be awarded the lifeline. Amy Mottram is 5/2, Times Red 10/1 and Adam Burridge 20/1. “Maloney is set to prove that waterworks really work, he looks highly likely to be named the 13th contestant,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.

MK1 are 11/4 to be the first act voted off of the X Factor this weekend with Jade Ellis 3/1 and Melanie Masson 11/2. The much maligned Rylan Clark is a 6/1 shot.

Ella Henderson is the favourite to walk away with the X factor crown come December at 5/4, whilst James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas are both 6/1.

Are you excited about the big TV battle this weekend? Do you think One Direction can save Cowell’s neck? Leave your comments below…

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