(expired)Russell Favourite To Re-Brand Xmas Message

Motor mouth Russell Brand today emerged as the front runner with bookies Paddy Power to deliver this year’s alternative Christmas message on Channel 4.

The notorious lothario, who earlier this month had a very public falling out with the BBC, after making crank phone calls to veteran actor Andrew Sachs, is the 10/11 favourite with the Irish bookmaker to address the nation on Christmas day.

Brand was initially entered at 4/1 into the betting but his odds were quickly slashed after a flurry of betting activity. The gamble is being attributed to Brands’ success with the second series of his Channel 4 show ‘Russell Brand’s Ponderland’ which is drawing more than 1 million viewers since it aired again on the 30^th October.

Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power, said: “When it comes to the ‘Alternative Christmas Message’ Channel 4 are renowned for creating controversy and let’s face it if it’s controversy they want they’ll definitely get it with Brand! Now that Russell’s ties with the BBC have been severed he could be the perfect choice.”

Channel 4 has broadcast an “Alternative Christmas message” since 1993. The speech is delivered in the manner of Her Majesty very often by a famous and sometimes controversial celebrity. Previous orators include Brigitte Bardo in 1995, Ali G in 1999, Sharon Osbourne in 2002 and Marge Simpson in 2004!Who will be chosen to deliver CH4’s alternative Xmas message?

10/11    Russell Brand    (From 4/1)

8/1       Peter Kay (Geraldine)

10/1      Allan Carr

12/1      Matt Lucas & David Walliams

14/1      Amy Winehouse

16/1      Paris Hilton

16/1      Mickey (BB9)

18/1      Britney Spears

18/1      Ricky Tomlinson

20/1      Graham Norton

20/1      Ken Livingstone

20/1      Rachel (BB9)

25/1      Pete Doherty

25/1      Gordon Ramsey

25/1      Posh & Becks

25/1      The Cheeky Girls

25/1      Ricky Gervais

33/1      George Galloway

40/1      Sarah Palin

40/1      Spice Girls

40/1      Richard & Judy

40/1      Paul O’Grady

40/1      Jordon & Peter Andre

50/1      Hillary Clinton

50/1      Tony Blair

50/1      Take That

50/1      Boris Johnson

66/1      John McCain

66/1      Simon Cowell

66/1      Leona Lewis

66/1      Shane Ward

80/1      Michael Jackson

100/1    Kate Middleton

150/1    Podge & Rodge

150/1    Gordon Brown

200/1    Oprah

250/1    Tom & Katie Cruise

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