Celebrity Big Brother / Feizal Rahman / 23 January 2009 /

After the controversy surrounding the 2007 series, producers of this Celebrity Big Brother have had to play it safe. But, regardless of one of the most wearisome series ever, an average of 3 million viewers have tuned in and the Betfair winner market has traded in excess of £1m. Feizal Rahman provides the final analysis.

Channel Four editors will have their work cut out in making the final show's closing highlight reel. The initial favourite has remained at the head of the market and there has been little volatility elsewhere.

Without having to do much other than allow his size to be exploited in ridiculous tasks, and treat us to the spectacle of a drunk dwarf trying to ram-raid the diary room, the diminutive Verne currently trades odd-on at [1.56]. While not undeserving of victory, with little else going on, it would seem to render the whole three weeks a slight waste of time.

All but one of this year's contingent have appeared to make little effort to win - or, at least, express a desire to go all the way. The exception has been Coolio, who is the only celebrity to have significantly fluctuated in price throughout the show. Unquestionably the only source of any notable entertainment in the house, the 45-year-old has been upfront with his game plan, albeit one that has offended and bordered on the repulsive at times.

At a time when black Americans have been able to rejoice in the election of Barack Obama, and experience an over due sense of pride, Coolio has frequently reinforced the negative stereotypes that have blighted them for so long. Yet, however objectionable some of his behaviour has been, he has been honest about his intentions - that he was merely playing a game that he wants to win. At the very least, he is looking to offer viewers something to form an opinion about and was prepared to live or die by his own sword.

Yet, as we discovered with Rex in the most recent 'civilian' Big Brother, the public and fellow housemates appreciate individuals who speak their mind and don't seek to be anyone other than who they really are. Notably, Coolio never received enough nominations to be put up for eviction and only ever came under reprimand when really pushing the boundaries.

Underlying the gangster persona was a genuine warmth, shown no better than when engaged with Verne, and an emotional reaction to President Obama's inauguration will have moved even the most sceptical. At [17.0], it would be an unlikely turnover were he to somehow win but it would be fitting if Coolio and Verne were the final two. The [5.3] available for the former to be runner-up looks really rather appealing.

Despite picking up by far the most nominations, Ulrika has somehow made it to the final five. The only female remaining, the Swede is arguably more comfortable in the presence of males - though with a clear divide between the men and the women in the house, she has been the most vocal in countering their dominance. It is this strong character - and a thinly veiled desire to win - that has seen her stay the distance.

While presumably the primary reason for her being chosen as a contestant, Ulrika has thus far resisted the temptation to dish the dirt on her private life. Likely to invoke some sororal sympathy from the older female viewers, the mother of four may well see one or two go before her on final night and she is [2.4] to finish third.

Nonchalantly cruising his way through the past three weeks, Terry gives the impression that he strolls though life . With the public persona of a cocky Northerner, the erudite Mancunian has done wonders in winning over new fans. Down to earth and affable, one does suspect, however, that he probably doesn't want to win and that merely getting this far is a job well done.

Terry is second favourite to win at [4.2], some may recall two previous Celebrity winners from the north-west, Bez and Mark Owen. Yet, in whichever order he exits one imagines that it will be Terry - along with the already departed La Toya - who will gain the most from their stay in the Big Brother house, once back in the real world.

With all the apparent attributes of a winner, the market suggests that former pop star Ben has failed to capitalise on his assets. The least well-known celebrity, he has done little to promote himself enough to merit victory. Frequently displaying an equal measure of boyish charm and insecurity, he should have won over the hearts of female viewers, as Pete Bennett did in civilian Big Brother 2006.

At [30.0] to win and [1.65] to be the first of the remaining housemates out, the market isn't expecting a similar result to that one, yet, being bland has been no impediment to non-celebrities winning - see Rachel (2008) and Cameron (2003). Would it really be such a surprise to see him sneak it?

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