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Big Brother Betting: Rex goes too far and deserves the boot

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"Mystical" Mike Norman looks at the effect that this week's task has had on the psyche of the house and indeed on the betting. One thing is for sure: Rex's behaviour is well beyond what is acceptable.

Oh boy, what has Big Brother been putting in those chickpeas? Certainly nothing that would make the housemates be civil to each other, that's for sure!

It's getting to the silly stage of the series now, the bit where everyone ups there game in a desperate attempt to gain popularity both in and out of the house.... well, everyone apart from Rex that is. The arrogant Londoner has drifted right out to [36.0] to win because of the constant tirade of abuse he aims at the females in the house, none more so than his girlfriend Nicole.

I was in debate recently with a friend of mine who was trying to argue that Rex was good television. Ok, I admit that his arrogance, boasting and frank opinions single him out as someone that isn't afraid to say what he means, but I'm afraid I draw the line at the phrase 'good television' when a grown man reverts to mentally bullying women and reducing them to tears in front of other people. His behaviour is disrespectful, degrading and stinks of someone who is a coward in front of men who will fight back.

If Rex isn't evicted this week (and he is [2.64] to do so) I can see myself having a breakdown and doing one of those 'Fathers 4 Justice' style protests, standing on the roof of the BB house with my chef whites on, demanding that the vile bully is removed.

Moving on to calmer waters and last week's puppetry-themed shopping task was a huge success, both in terms of housemates winning a luxury shopping budget and Mikey producing some magical comedy. Just days after he poured a bucket of mushed up Brussels sprouts over his own head, the [3.55] favourite to win Big Brother was seen at his funniest, performing multiple puppet shows using hand puppets of various housemates and illustrating their experiences in the house so far.

Mikey's accuracy was painful to watch for the person he was condemning, but highly amusing for the public - he is peaking at the right time and will be difficult to beat if he continues in the same way.

Heavenly housemates had to complete a table tennis themed performance in the style of Bunraku, but as this group contained a certain ginger chef from London then you will understand when I tell you it didn't go without arguments. Head of House Rachel was berated for not having enough authority to organise, while hard-faced Sara was criticised for not being confident enough to do the task, despite her saying she could do it.

It all came good in the end however, and the task was completed successfully. It even looked quite good; you can judge for yourself here; http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mTe_jDSw-O4

Rex is oblivious to this but his abuse of some of the females in the house is actually making them more popular out of the house. Rachel is a prime example. Over the last three weeks she has had to endure some harsh words from her onetime friend, but she has taken it all on the chin and now trades at just [5.4] to win, having been available at [42.0] not so long ago. Both Lisa ([18.0]) and Sara ([44.0]) have also come out of Rex's tongue lashing more popular than the man himself.

For the first time since the market opened, Kathreya ([5.6] to win outright) has some strong opposition to be the 'Top Female'. She is still just edging favouritism at [2.32], but she continues to act as an ambassador for happiness while doing nothing to entertain. Rachel will stay longer in the house, and her odds of [2.38] are close to reflecting this - she will replace Kat very soon at the top of this market.

Elsewhere in the house Darnell ([6.4]) to win) appears to be another victim of a misunderstood love affair. He has clearly got it bad for Sara, but she just wants to be friends whilst flirting with him ridiculously. Stu has lost all his friends and has now got the attitude of someone who doesn't care whether he wins or loses - I actually like this and I expect his win odds of [12.0] to shorten during the week. Mo ([80.0]) has his moments but will survive one more week at best, while the unfortunate (for having Rex as a boyfriend) Nicole ([160.0]) simply can't win.

There are less than four weeks to go in the BB house yet ten housemates remain. This means there are likely to be some surprise or double evictions very soon - and if Rex isn't one of them, expect a surprise protester scaling the Big Brother walls.