Bookies have started taking bets that X Factor judge Cheryl Cole will be engaged by the end of the year, according to a report.

Bookmaker William Hill has revealed that the firm are offering odds on the Geordie beauty marrying Dancing With The Stars hunk Derek Hough.

The move follows reports that the pair have flown out to Tanzania to take a holiday in the sun.

William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly said that the firm are currently offering odds of 3/1 that Cole and Hough will be engaged by the end of the year.

The bookmaker is also offering 25/1 that Cheryl will reconcile with estranged husband Ashley before the end of the year.

Hough is also priced at 3/1 to be unveiled as a late addition to the line up of ballroom show Strictly Come Dancing, while the prospect of Cheryl defecting to join him on the BBC show is priced at 100/1.

Crilly said in a statement: “The bigwigs at Strictly may turn to Derek in their continued attempts to compete against The X Factor, however I doubt they have the budget to tempt even a love-struck Cheryl.”