Joey Essex and Alicia Douvall linked with Celebrity Big Brother after bookies see interest spark with punters

Joey Essex and Alicia Douvall linked with Celebrity Big Brother after bookies see interest spark with punters

Joey Essex and Alicia Douvall are two of latest names to be linked with Celebrity Big Brother after bookies received a flurry of bets on the upcoming Channel 5 series’ line up.

The TOWIE star and former glamour model have both been given competitive odds of 5/1 to be involved in the reality show when it launches next month.

"Punter interest in Joey and Alicia has really sparked recently," said a spokesperson for Ladbrokes.

Other famous faces linked with a stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house include Helen Flanagan (6/1), Peter Andre (10/1), his pregnant girlfriend Emily MacDonagh (10/1), former X Factor jud ge Tulisa (12/1), Great British Bake Off host Paul Hollywood (20/1) and Tamara Ecclestone (25/1).

The Apprentice runner up Luisa Zissman has been given odds of 4/1 to be involved, even though it has been reported that the 26-year-old has been snubbed by both CBB and ITV’s I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!  

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Two weeks ago, a newspaper report claimed that show bosses had offered Geordie Shore’s Charlotte Crosby and footy pundit Ron Atkinson six figure deals to star in the reality series.

Lairy Charlotte has previously said that being cast on the programme would prove no problem after starring in the MTV smash hit set on Tyneside.

She said: “We have cameras filming us 24/7 so I think Big Brother will be a walk in the park.”

Loose Women star Carol McGiffin and model Sophie Anderton were also said to have signed up for the Channel 5 show â€" but Carol’s agent squashed the rumour that the Sunday People columnist would be taking part.

“Carol hasn’t signed up for CBB,” he confirmed.

'Big Ron doesn't know anything about it'

Similarly, a spokesperson for former Manchester United and Aston Villa boss Ron dismissed the link.

He said: "I know nothing about it, neither does Ron!"

A representative for Sophie declined to comment. Charlotte's agent said that the rumour was ‘news to her’.

All four are still considered strong contenders to take part in the show, with Ron and Carol at 3/1, Charlotte priced at 7/2 and Sophie given odds of 4/1.

Recently retired footy players David Beckham and Michael Owen have been priced as long shots to take part, with odds of  5000/1 and 1000/1 respectively.

A Channel  5 spokesman said the broadcaster did not comment on signings before the launch.

Reports about Charlotte's potential CBB involvement was 'news' to her agent