STEVE GILL is the 9/2 favourite to win the final series of Big Brother in the UK with Sky Bet, but the other UK bookmakers are ducking the 40-year-old father of eight by only offering 4s. The former soldier lost both legs when serving for the British Army in Northern Ireland, and patriotic punters were more than happy to get stuck into an opening show of 8/1 about Steve.

The ailing Channel 4 Reality TV show has revolutionised betting in the 21st century, but the latest series of BB has a tough task competing with the World Cup. Punters can follow their picks via a 24 hour live streaming service, and as well as Steve Gill, they have also been backing Corin Forshaw, who is at 7/1 with Stan James. She may have a huge bust, but it remains to be seen whether she is genuinely a bisexual, or whether she is simply trying to pick up a few votes on the side.

Nathan Dunn lives with his grandparents, well at least he did until he entered the Big Brother house, and he is also a 7/1 poke with the bookies. After Nathan in the betting lists comes Josie Gibson, who is 8/1 with Stan James at the moment, but as short at 5/1 with Ladbrokes.

John James, formerly known as ‘Achilles’ until he sensibly decided to change his name back to its original, is also causing confusion in the betting markets. He is 9/1 with Sky Bet to win BB Series 11, but Corals are running scared at 4/1. It may be that Corals have amassed big liabilities on the body-builder, but 4s seems very short indeed.

Mario Mugan had the onerous task of wearing a mole suit upon entry to the Big Brother house, but now that he has become a full house mate, punters can back him to go all the way at 10/1 on Betfair.

Continuing down the pecking order, we have Ben who is at 14/1, and then Caoimhe at 18s with Bet 365. The advantage of betting with Bet 365 is that they offer each-way terms on the win market (1/5 odds, three places), which means that you can assure yourself of a payout if your pick makes it to the final three. Think of it like a Formula One Grand Prix – your house mate just needs to finish on the podium!

In the Top Male betting, Steve is at 11/4 with Corals. Corin is the 2/1 jolly in the Top Female market and lesbian Shabby Eliot-Katchadourian is 4/5 with Paddy Power to be the next to be booted out the house.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing betting odds on specials markets.

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We’ve only had one episode of Britain’s Got Talent, but that hasn’t stopped the bookies from ducking a short-priced favourite.

Susan Boyle stunned judges with I Dreamed A Dream on Saturday’s show, and already has her backers. The 47 year old had been available at 4/1 with totesport earlier, but is now best-priced at 9/4 with Boylesports.

No doubt that Boyles will conjure up some imaginative publicity in time - they share the same name!

9/4 is an extremely short price given that we don’t know Susan’s competition, but she created such a tidal wave on Saturday that we could see her go odds-on.

The unemployed virgin will be well supported by Scotland and has an incredible voice.

Normally at Bookies Blog, we like to oppose the short-priced favourites in the specials markets – but time and time again they do the business. For every Ray Quinn (Dancing On Ice) there is a Verne Troyer (CBB 2nd), so punters should tread with caution.

Dance act Flawless are 5/1, but Susan will probably encounter tougher opposition later on in the show.

Paddy Power bet 1/3 that Susan signs a deal with Simon’s record label. Simon will be very keen to cash in on Susan’s image and voice – 2007 BGT winner Paul Potts has already pocketed a cool £6m.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing odds for specials markets.

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