Tommy Sheridan odds-on for Big Brother first eviction

But despite the suntan and the bulging biceps, the former socialist politician was revealed yesterday as the bookies' favourite for early eviction.

The outspoken former MSP, who has joined celebrities including presenter Ulrika Jonsson, actor Verne Troyer and rapper Coolio, was given odds of just 25-1 to win, making him the joint outsider to emerge as the winner of the television contest, alongside singer La Toya Jackson.

Troyer, the 2ft 8in American actor who played Dr Evil's clone Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films, is 5/4 favourite to win, according to bookmakers William Hill.

The other celebrities who entered the Big Brother house are singers Michelle Heaton, Mutya Buena and Ben Adams, topless model Lucy Pinder, television presenter Terry Christian and actress Tina Malone.

The 11 will battle it out for the next three weeks under public scrutiny, facing regular tasks and evictions.

Sheridan was booed by the crowds as he entered the house on Friday night. However, the former leader of the Scottish Socialist Party claimed he was used to "conflict". He also referred to his 200,000 court victory against a Sunday newspaper in 2006 over allegations about his sex life.

Speaking before entering the house, Sheridan explained his reason for taking up the challenge. He said: "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. Following his court case, he was charged with perjury and it is understood that Crown Office officials will keep an eye on the show in case he refers to the investigation.

He said: "I'm a full-time law student with fees for three full years in front of me. Now I'm offered a three-week contract that may not even last three weeks.

"What student wouldn't be attracted to significant earnings to meet those essential costs?

"It's light entertainment, not real life, simple as that. Hopefully it will give people a bit of a laugh at a time when too many are worried about their jobs and paying their rents."

Sheridan was warned by fellow politician George Galloway about the difficulties he is likely to face living in the Big Brother house. Galloway was branded a laughing stock after one task saw him imitate a cat.

Sheridan was offered a place in the Celebrity Big Brother house two years ago but turned it down because he was an MSP at the time.