Niall Horan set to become the next X Factor judge?
Bookmakers have slashed odds
An Irish bookmaker has suspended bets on Niall Horan becoming the next judge on The X Factor.
After reports emerged earlier this year alleging that Louis Walsh won’t be returning to the ITV talent show – claims that haven’t been confirmed by X Factor bosses – speculation has been rife about his potential replacement.
Last month Louis Tomlinson was widely tipped for the judges’ chair, while just yesterday his former 1D band mate Zayn Malik ruled out reports linking him to the show with his rep calling them “a complete fabrication.”
Now, Niall Horan is at the centre of The X Factor judges rumour mill after Irish bookmaker Boylesports suspended betting on him.
Earlier this morning a punter laid down a €200 bet on Niall at 7/1 in one of their shops in Co Westmeath. Alarm bells started to ring when minutes later a further €50 bet was place.
Boylesports spokesperson Liam Glynn said: "Our shop staff had literally only opened the doors at 9am on Tuesday morning and a punter placed the hefty novelty bet on Niall to become an X Factor judge.
"Another bet of €50 was also struck within the hour which set alarm bells ringing with our traders.
"With One Direction in turmoil at the moment and following on from a hefty bet on Niall Horan to leave the band we have had no choice but to suspend all our One Direction and X Factor judge markets as one way or another, Niall’s time in the band may well be coming to an end.”
Niall’s X Factor odds have now been slashed to 3/1.