Bookies braced for Big Brother bet frenzy

Bookmakers are predicting a record £15 million betting frenzy on Big Brother 8. The new series of the Channel 4 reality show kicks off tomorrow.

But Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "Big Brother 1 was a step into the unknown. Contestants, viewers and punters alike really didn't know what to expect.

"In the early days we only offered win and eviction markets. But it's now possible to bet on a large number of specials, even before anyone has set foot inside the famous house.
"Big Brother is now a firm fixture in the betting calendar and by far the biggest reality TV show ever to appear on our screens."

Ladbrokes are offering odds of 10/1 that disgraced Celebrity Big Brother contestant Jade Goody will enter the house.

The bookmaker is also offering 50/1 that the scandal-hit show will be taken off air before the end of the series.

And the odds of Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan quitting his job before Big Brother 8 ends are just 4/1.

However, Duncan should be in no hurry to leave - in July he picks up a £450,000 loyalty bonus as a reward for staying with the channel for three years.