Since Sunday night’s premiere episode of Big Brother, Carlisle’s Thomas Atkinson has emerged as the most popular bet to win this season.

20-year-old Thomas Atkinson, from Carlisle, entered the Big Brother UK house as part of the latest series of the popular reality television show. 

The amputee football star had a key role in the England Amputee FA's fourth-placed finish at the European Amputee Football Federation Euro 2024 over the summer, something his grandad predicted long ago.

Atkinson has attracted 21% of all bets placed on the Big Brother winner market, making him the early frontrunner in public backing.

The 20-year-old is also the bookmakers' favourite, according to Oddschecker,  with current odds of 4/1, giving him a 20% implied probability of winning the competition.

Atkinson’s closest rival in the Oddschecker betting is Rosie Williams, who is priced at 10/1 and has garnered 15% of the bet share so far.

Williams has been one of the biggest market movers, with her odds shortening from 28/1 to 10/1 since Tuesday night’s episode.

However, history shows that being the early favourite does not always guarantee victory. In the last five seasons, the contestant who received the most bets in the first week has never gone on to win Big Brother.

Most Backed Contestants in Week 1 and Final Placements:

  • 2022: Yinrun (26% of bets) – Finished 4th
  • 2018: Zoe Jones (16% of bets) – Finished 3rd
  • 2017: Ellie Young (21% of bets) – Finished 8th
  • 2016: Alex Cannon (28% of bets) – Finished 8th
  • 2015: Jack McDermott (46% of bets) – Finished 4th

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While early betting success doesn’t always lead to final victory, Atkinson’s supporters can be optimistic knowing that three of the past five early favourites did finish in the top five.

Oddschecker’s Leon Blackman said: “Thomas Atkinson’s strong backing in the early stages of the Big Brother betting market is impressive, especially given the show’s unpredictable nature.

"While history shows the early favourite rarely wins outright, Atkinson’s position at the top of the odds gives him a promising edge. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain this momentum as the competition progresses.”