Now we are a few days into Big Brother 5, the time has come to take a serious look at the 12 contestants and their odds. What is blatantly obvious this time is the Big Brother producers are desperate for housemates to be involved in arguments, sexual activity (doesn’t matter whether it is boy/girl or boy/boy, girl/girl, girl/boy/girl or any other combination for that matter) and anything else that pulls in the viewing figures. Below is a brief description of each contestant and my thoughts on their chances of scooping the possible £100,000 prize.

Ahmed (40/1): It is clear to see why the bookmakers are making the oldest member of the house the least likely to win Big Brother 5. So far Ahmed has struggled to integrate with the group and has already complained of feeling unaccepted.

Verdict: You shall be wasting your money betting on Ahmed at this stage.
Bet on Ahmed

Daniel (5/1): Bookmakers were quick to install the 30 year old as favourite. Despite being one of the more charismatic characters in the house, his odds of 5/1 aren’t big enough to tempt me into a wager.

Verdict: Strong contender but not taken to be the overall winner.
Bet on Daniel

Emma (7/1): Interestingly her odds to win the series are as short as 7/1 with some bookies, which like Daniel look on the short side. So far it appears as if the 21 year old is going to be the “Helen” or “Jade” of the series with her ability to ask questions only a child would think of.

Verdict: Unlikely to win.
Bet on Emma

Jason (12/1): Was there any need to enter the house wearing only a throng and a black-tie? Okay so he has a good body, but it surely won’t be too long before people become bored of him showing it off the whole time. Previous Big Brother “fitness fanatics” have not fared well and there is no reason to believe this time will be any different.

Verdict: Bound to have a solid female following for a while but don’t expect it to last.
Bet on Jason

Kitten (33/1): From the moment Kitten appeared on British television screens, it was clearly evident she was one for going against the system. Initially the other housemates didn’t take to Kitten but this may now be changing. Something worth consideration is in previous Big Brother series, the least popular at the start can quite often end up going the distance, think Helen (BB2), Alex (BB3).

Verdict: Don’t be surprised if the public eventually take to Kitten.
Bet on Kitten

Marco (6/1): The first contestant in the Big Brother house didn’t take long to start annoying and to be honest he still is. His incessant clapping of hands may be amusing for a few, but there will come a point when Britain has enough and decides to vote out the half Italian.

Verdict: No Chance.
Bet on Marco

Michelle (12/1): Although her aim is to become a glamour model, there is nothing to suggest the mortgage advisor trainee can win Big Brother 5. General price of 14/1 looks an accurate reflection of her chances. What wouldn’t be surprising if Michelle becomes officially the first girl to have sex in the Big Brother house!

Verdict: Nothing suggests a future Big Brother Winner.
Bet on Michelle

Nadia (16/1): Quite obviously selected to be in the Big Brother house because she has had a sex change. At some point once this information becomes public knowledge in the house, it might make for some good TV viewing.

Verdict: Not a future Big Brother winner.
Bet on Nadia

Shell (5/1): Arguably one of the least controversial housemates this year. Also has the dubious honour of being the first one to cry in the house. Bookmakers are sweet on her chances, probably due to how normal she is. She should avoid eviction for a while, but to win will need to show more, especially at the stingy price of 5/1.

Verdict: Keep the powder dry for now.
Bet on Shell

Stuart (6/1): Went into the house claiming to be highly intelligent, but so far has resisted any other showings of arrogance that could alienate himself from the other housemates. Of all the male contestants, the university student looks to have the best chance of going the furthest. He is sure to have the biggest female following and from the evidence so far has enough about him to appeal to the male viewers.

Verdict: Strong chance of winning and at decent odds of 6/1.
Bet on Stuart

Vanessa (6/1): Originally quoted at 9/1 by the bookmakers, the blond bombshell is now as short as 6/1 to become the second female winner of Big Brother. Originally from South Africa, the 26 year old has so far looked to be getting on well with most of the housemates – something that is going to be vital to avoid nomination this year. Kate proved in BB2 that it is possible for a beautiful female to win, and so don’t be surprised if Vanessa finishes with the prize money.

Verdict: Can become second female winner of Big Brother
Bet on Vanessa

Victor (20/1): The man with a plan, or so he would have us believe. Fuelled with a massive ego and a huge amount of self-confidence, at some point the 23 year old is going fall flat on his face. Victor should be fun to watch for a while but don’t expect him to last too many weeks.

Verdict: No chance.
Bet on Victor

James Millman, readaBet.com