Sam Bailey
Sam Bailey is "a million miles in front" of her closest rival in the battle to win 'The X Factor'.
The prison officer has reportedly earned the biggest mid-competition lead in the talent show's nine-year history and it is said she has been getting around 35 per cent of the secret public vote every week.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Sam Bailey is so far ahead it is unreal.
"She's the runaway leader, a million miles in front of her nearest rival and, if it was the final this weekend, she would romp home.
"Viewers love her voice and have really taken to her backstory. She is a mum who has worked in a tough job and people seem to relate to that."
However, her success behind the scenes won't be pleasing show boss Simon Cowell, who has spoken out in favour of Sam's fellow contestant Tamera Foster.
The source added: "He wants Tamera Foster to win. He has publicly said she is a star and he genuinely thinks she could be massive internationally like Leona Lewis - but she isn't connecting with the public.
"She's already been in the bottom two and Simon is frantic she improves her position.
"If the voting carries on as it has been, the final is looking like Sam, Nicholas McDonald and Sam Callahan - surely one of the most boring ever."
An 'X Factor' spokesman also refused to comment on the secret results of the weekly public vote while the show is on-going.
They said: "There is always speculation about who's where in the public vote, but we never comment until the series ends."
Tagged in The X Factor Simon Cowell Sam Callahan Tamera Foster