Tommy who? Sheridan struggles in Big Brother house

Published on Sunday 4 January 2009 21:04

HIS high-profile political antics as a sun-tanned socialist have guaranteed him his place as a household name in Scotland, but bookies have revealed Tommy Sheridan is proving "as popular as the plague" with Big Brother punters.

Sheridan and singer Mutya Buena are proving the least endearing Celebrity Big Brother contestants.

The former Sugababes singer and the firebrand former politician had both been quoted at 25/1 to win the Channel 4 show. But Ladbrokes have had to push their prices out to 33/1 and 40/1 respectively.

Spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Tommy and Mutya are about as popular as the plague at the moment. We didn't expect a politician to set the heather on fire with the punters, but we're not sure what Mutya has done."

Worse still for Sheridan is the revelation that his fellow housemates have been struggling to remember who he is. Singer LaToya Jackson and 2ft 8in actor Verne Troyer, who played Mini Me in the film Austin Powers, failed to recognise him.

They sat discussing the housemates, and after Sheridan left the room, Michael Jackson's sister asked Troyer: "Who was he?" The 40-year-old actor replied: "I want to say 'Michael'. At least we know some people here. I know you and I know (rapper] Coolio."

Troyer remains favourite to win, but his odds have gone from 5/4 to 13/8 after television presenter Terry Christian went from 12/1 to 6/1. The other celebrities who entered the house are singers Michelle Heaton and Ben Adams, topless model Lucy Pinder, actress Tina Malone and former presenter Ulrika Jonsson. The 11 will battle it out for the next three weeks under public scrutiny, facing regular tasks and evictions.

Sheridan, who spent his first full day in the house working out in the bathroom, was booed by the crowds as he entered on Friday night. On last night's show he revealed his sensitivity about going bald and urged fellow housemates not to treat Troyer any differently from the others because of his height.

Speaking before entering the house, Sheridan explained his reason for taking up the challenge: "Why not? It's an honest offer of employment."

The 44-year-old, who is reportedly being paid 100,000 to take part in the show, is currently studying law and has no regular income. He failed to gain re-election to Holyrood and recently lost a slot on Talk 107 when the station closed.