THE X FACTOR - X FACTOR CHARITY SINGLE EXPECTED TO SMASH SALES RECORD

X FACTOR CHARITY SINGLE EXPECTED TO SMASH SALES RECORD

The X Factor finalists' charity rendition of Hero is likely to become the fastest-selling single of the year, reports claim.

Proceeds from the final 12's cover of Mariah Carey's song go to the Help for Heroes charity, which aids wounded servicemen and women.

And having been performed on last Saturday's live show, the single should break 2008 sales records.

"We predict it will become the fastest-selling single of this year," said HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo.

"Single releases tend not to be such a big event these days, but this one is definitely bucking the trend."

Scott Bruton became the latest contestant to be voted off the ITV1 show at the weekend.

The former Pontin's Bluecoat sang George Michael's I Can't Make You Love Me in a sing-off with Daniel Evans, but the latter's emotional version of To Where You Are by Josh Groban - which Daniel dedicated to his late wife - saw him through to next week's programme.