Celebrity Big Brother: Ann Widdecombe now set to beat Courtney Act to crown
Ann Widdecombe enters the “Celebrity Big Brother” House (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Ann Widdecombe is set to storm to victory in Celebrity Big Brother.
The 70-year-old former Tory MP has seen an extraordinary transformation in popularity since entering the CBB house as a rank outsider.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes slashed the price of Ann winning as the show enters the final 10 days.
Ann Widdecombe (Channel 5)
She is now the 7/4 favourite to win – having been 50/1 on entering the house – putting her ahead of former favourite Courtney Act, known as Shane Jenek in the house, who is now 2/1.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “We’re not entirely sure why punters are continuing to back Ann after her latest controversy, but they are, and we have been forced to cut her odds accordingly.”
Meanwhile, a William Hill spokesperson said: “Not since John Sergeant have we underestimated anyone so badly.”
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Fellow housemate Shane Lynch has odds of 4/1, while Amanda Barrie is 9/1.
If reports are to be believed, she could be the penultimate ever winner of Celebrity Big Brother.
Channel 5 bosses are said to be ready to can the programme after its contract with Endemol, the production company behind the show, ends in 2018.
Ann Widdecombe enters the “Celebrity Big Brother” House (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Ann, the second oldest housemate after Amanda, has had a tumultuous time with the other celebrities.
During Monday’s episode housemates Andrew Brady and Courtney Act performer Shane Jenek were seen playfighting once again in the CBB house.
Afterwards, the pair entered the kitchen to see the rest of the housemates.
(Photo: Channel 5)
Spotting Ann Widdecombe, Shane said to her while hugging Andrew: “You might not respect our marriage Ann but you have to recognise our love!”
Ann Widdecombe then replied: “Don’t be disgusting.”
Earlier in the series, she came to blows with fellow housemates due to her views on LGBT issues, including same-sex marriage.
(Photo: Channel 5)
RELATED: The truth about Ann Widdecombe’s voting record on LGBT people
Ann told Courtney and former housemate India Willoughby that marriage can only be between one man and one woman.
Courtney had researched the voting record of the retired MP prior to entering the CBB house and was keen to quiz her views.
She said: “I understand you voted against any pro-LGBT legislation in parliament in your 23 years?”
Former MP Ann Widdecombe listens to a speaker at anti-marriage equality group Coalition for Marriage (Getty)
RELATED: Gemma Collins criticised for backing Ann Widdecombe
Ann replied: “It would depend which piece of legislation I was voting on.”
“Let’s start with marriage equality,” Shane said, before Ann interjected: “You call it marriage equality, I call it the re-definition of marriage.”
During another episode, Apprentice star Andrew Brady admitted finding Ann “intimidating” with her strict routine, which he said prevents other housemates from staying up late or relaxing.
(Photo: Channel 5)
Andrew criticised Ann for the effect she apparently has on the house, saying: “Ann is intimidating. You can’t talk to Ann about anything because you will not win.
“You will not even get your voice heard. Ann intimidates people.”
He continued: “Ann intimidates the girls in that room. That’s why the girls aren’t willing to stay out all night because it’s a case of ‘oh Ann’s gone to bed at f*****g half 9, let’s all go to bed.’”
