Bookies Blog

New Year, along comes another edition of Celebrity Big Brother to our screens. At bookies.com we featured odds from Paddy Power ages ago, who had Ian Wright as their favourite. Now that the show has started (no Ian Wright) the betting has taken a rather different complexion.

The money revolves around Verne Troyer, who played Mini Me in the Austin Powers films. He was a serious contender at 3/1 before the first show, but is now the overwhelming favourite at 6/4 (William Hill). That’s a better price than Betfair, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him shorten further. Troyer was cheered when he entered the house – significant given that this show is essentially a popularity contest.

80% of the money is on him, so the bookies won’t be taking any chances. The 2ft movie star is sure to prove popular, but he may get overtaken in the betting later on. We want to spot the gamble before it happens, and I’m rarely happy with lumping on short-priced favourites. We opposed hot favourite Diana Vickers with 7/1 JLS in the X Factor, only for them to finish 2nd. The I’m A Celebrity! selection, Martina Navratilova, also finished 2nd at 8/1. Hopefully we can go one better this time around.

Ulrika Jonsson is certainly of interest at 25/1, because she is used to performing for the TV cameras. I’m not referring to her dubious love life, but her presenting skills. There hasn’t been any great money for her yet, but I’m happy enough with the current price to latch on now. Directors were hoping to also have Sven‘s girl, Nancy Dell’Olio, in the house, which would’ve caused sparks.

Terry Christian is 10/1 from a big 20/1 before the show. He is the head of house, which entitles him to unlimited hot water. With Ben Adams weak in the betting at 6/1, the men have a very strong hand this year. That said, I won’t be backing the boys in the winning gender market at cramped odds of 2/5.

Jonsson should be backed in the top female market at 11/4, because her competition looks weak. Lucy Pinder and Michelle Heaton can be discounted at this stage, and Ulrika‘s main competition is in the form of actress Tina Malone. Tina is 3/1 in the top female market, but has drifted to 14/1 in the outright winner market.

Blue Square are best priced for many of the long shots, offering prices greater than Betfair. Tommy Sheridan was last matched at 31/1 on the exchange, yet Blue Square go 40/1. The specials featured 1/2 that a celeb would walk out and also 16/1 for the show to be taken off air during the current series.

Recommendation:

2pts 11/4 Ulrika Jonsson Top Female

1pt 25/1 Ulrika Jonsson Winner of CBB

1pt 6/4 Verne Troyer Winner of CBB (Saver Bet)

bookies.com compares odds on a range of specials markets, including Dancing on Ice and Oscars Betting:

Celebrity Big Brother Outright Winner Betting

Celebrity Big Brother Top Male Betting

Celebrity Big Brother Top Female Betting

Celebrity Big Brother Gender of Winner Betting