Bookmakers on big surge in betting on Shilpa Shetty amid alleged racism row

Описание: (18 Jan 2007)
1. Exterior William Hill betting shop
2. Various interiors of customers inside betting shop
3. Rupert Adams checks odds on computer screen
4. Close up screen showing Shilpa is favourite to win
5. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) Rupert Adams, William Hill spokesman "When Shilpa first came into the house, we looked at her fan base. Obviously in India she's massive, but over here she's not very well known character. So we had her at about 10-1, 12-1, which is a rank outsider in the betting. But since Friday everyone has gone Shilpa mad. Every penny coming in the book has been for her, and Shilpa is now one of the hot favourites to win."
Reporter: What about Jade?
"About Jade, when she first came into the house, we thought she was coming in for only a very short period of time as a bit of fun. But because she's improved the ratings, they've obviously decided she can now go on to win it. But we at William Hill have decided to take her straight out of the betting. We can't stand her, and we think it's unfair and misleading to put her in the betting. So she's gone from the betting, and only Shilpa of the two can win."
6. Various of Big Brother odds on computer screen
7. People inside betting shop
SHOTLIST
Bookmakers say here's been a big surge in betting on Shilpa Shetty - the Indian actress at the centre at the alleged racism row that's engulfed the Big Brother reality TV show.
The William Hill betting chain says Shetty entered the contest as a complete outsider - but in the past four days she's been catapulted into pole position.
Rupert Adams, a spokesman for William Hill, says it's the result of sympathy generated by Shetty's ordeal.
Adams also revealed William Hill has mounted its own protest against Shetty's chief critic on the show, Jade Goody.
The bookmaker has removed her from the betting line up - meaning customers can't place any more bets on her.
"We can't stand her," Adams said.

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