CARLISLE's Thomas Atkinson is the early bookies' favourite to win the new series of Big Brother UK.

Thomas from Belle Vue entered the Big Brother UK house alongside 16 other housemates who are featuring in the new series of Big Brother UK which aired on Sunday, October 6 on ITV.

Now, according to Boyle Sports, Thomas is the early favourite to win the show, with the local lad 7/2 favourite ahead of other frontrunners Lily Benson and Ali Bromley. 

Before entering the house Thomas, who is also an amputee football star, played a key role for England at the European Amputee Football Federation Euro 2024 over the summer and captained Portsmouth to victory over Everton in the final of the FA Disability Cup at St George's Park in June.

In his first interview before entering the house, Thomas said: "I've got 26 appearances for England and it's one of my proudest things about life."

"When I was a little kid I was actually bit by a shark, but I'm a blatant liar as well because I actually didn't.

"I was just born without my left hand and my left foot which I think is really boring.

"I always say there is nothing I can't do, apart from shoelaces, shoelaces are the death of me.

"I hate the idea of somebody beating me."