You may remember me as the 27-year-old South Kensington layabout in IE18. Yeah, that one who looked like he failed an audition for the Backstreet Boys. I guess having made a few bob (I’d call £150,000 more than a few bob – Ed) in the last 12 months, the editor figured I had it in me to start dishing out a few tips, so I’m here to do my best.

Speaking of wannabe boyband members, the X-Factor has made a welcome return to ITV’s autumn schedules. But while the early rounds have made for superb TV entertainment, the serious betting will mostly come once the field is whittled down to the final 12.