Shayne is most searched for 'X Factor' contestant online

by Joe Lepper, Brand Republic 08-Nov-05, 15:20

London - 'X Factor' contestant Shayne Ward is the most-searched-for of the ITV1 show's wannabe stars, according to latest research into online use.

Online research firm Hitwise found that for the four weeks ending on November 5, Ward, the bookmakers' favourite to win the competition, was the most searched for contestant.

In second place was Chico Slimani, with the Conway Sisters coming in at third place.

According to Hitwise, Ward's dominance in searches about the show is so great that he is now receiving double the amount of queries of second-placed Slimani.

The show itself is also picking up interest with searches for 'X Factor' increasing by 160% since October 8, when the names of 12 finalists were first announced.

'X Factor' is also trouncing its rival in the scheduling, BBC One's 'Strictly Come Dancing', by attracting 85% more online searches.

On last Saturday's show, viewers saw judge Louis Walsh given the difficult task of voting off Chenai, one of two of his acts up for eviction from the show.

Walsh is also the least popular judge when it comes to internet searches, behind Simon Cowell and top-placed Sharon Osbourne.

According to bookmaker Ladbrokes, Ward is favourite to win at 6/4, with Andy Abraham second at 3/1. Slimani at 66/1 and the Conway Sisters at 1/100 are the rank outsiders.

In September, ITV and Fremantle Licensing agreed a deal to allow mobile phone users to watch clips from the show as well as receive SMS and MMS text alerts.

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