Johnny tipped to win Big Brother

Johnny Vegas has been tipped as a favourite to win this year's Celebrity Big Brother – even though he hasn’t been confirmed as taking part.

Channel 4 bosses will not reveal the names of the ten celebrities moving into the house before the new series starts on Thursday.

But bookies still say Vegas is 3-1 favourite to triumph in the three-week show, followed by Liza Tarbuck at 4-1.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: ‘Of all the touted names, we feel that Johnny Vegas is the celebrity with the greatest appeal and consequently he is our early favourite.’

Fallen TV star Michael Barrymore and former Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith.

Executive producer Sharon Powers said: 'Just because the housemates are celebrities, doesn't mean that Big Brother isn't in charge or afraid to call the shots. We have lots of new twists and surprises planned that will give our celebrity housemates something new and unexpected to cope with, every step of the way.’

Others names as possible contenders include Michael Barrymore (7-1),  Jimmy Tarbuck (5-1), Boy George at (6-1), and Derek Acorah, Shane MacGowan and Esther Rantzen all at 8-1.

Published: 4 Jan 2006