Daley Thompson, 66, has found himself failing to curry favour with bookmakers just 48 hours into his Celebrity Big Brother stint.
The former Olympian entered the house alongside the likes of Mickey Rourke, Patsy Palmer, and Trisha Goddard on Monday evening, but he’s hit headlines thanks to his interactions with drag performer Danny Beard.
Thompson has faced backlash, and even calls to be axed from the show by certain angered members of the fandom, following pointed comments made towards 32-year-old Beard.
Speaking in the diary room during Tuesday’s episode, Beard revealed all, saying: “I feel great. I think I’ve tried to make an effort with everybody. But I heard Daley make a comment like, ‘Oh not everything revolves around you’.
ITV CBB: Daley Thompson has clashed with drag queen, Danny Beard
ITV
“I don’t know if I’m overthinking it because I’ve also seen him looking at me a bit.
“Maybe he just finds me fascinating. Maybe he doesn’t come across (people) like this often. I mean, it’s a lot. Look at the state of me.
“I can sense or I can feel he is a bit wary of me. And that’s fine because maybe I’m also a little wary of him.”
Thompson’s comments came after Beard thought Rourke was talking to them after he returned from a Big Brother task.
ITV CBB: Danny Beard admitted feeling ‘intimidated’ by Daley
ITV
Beard also confided in actress Donna Preston about Thompson’s remarks, saying: “I’m overthinking it. I’m totally gonna make an effort tomorrow. That’s it. And I’ve had a drink.”
“He’s chill, he’s chill,” Preston tried to assure Beard but the drag performer conceded: “But I think I’m also just bringing my thing into it as well. I get intimidated by masculine men.
“I don’t want this to be a thing either, I’m just telling you how I felt. I’m gonna have a chat with him tomorrow.”
With Thompson’s conduct sparking floods of complaints on social media, bookmakers Betfred have drastically lengthened his odds of winning the competition.
ITV CBB: Danny Beard confided in Donna Preston
ITV
Betfred’s Kayley Cornelius said: “Following a spat with Danny Beard, odds for Daley Thompson have drifted from 20/1 to 33/1, making him currently the least popular housemate. Given the ongoing backlash he’s receiving, we believe he very well could be the first to be evicted.
“Last night also marked a pivotal moment for former Tory MP Michael Fabricant.
“Despite yesterday’s damning outlook, his unexpected and seemingly genuine bond with market leader Danny (now at 4/1) appears to have worked in his favour, with Michael’s odds now improving to a more favourable 12/1—placing him level with Chesney Hawkes.
“Other notable shifts include the controversial Mickey Rourke, whose odds have shortened from 25/1 to 14/1 after winning some viewers over with his ‘hilarious’ antics last night. JoJo Siwa has also seen movement, improving from 12/1 to 13/2.
“Meanwhile, Chris Hughes remains the frontrunner at 11/4, with his odds continuing to strengthen slightly.”
Thompson’s clash with Beard isn’t the only thing that has sparked backlash from certain members of the CBB fandom.
His endorsement of Harry Potter author and vocal biological women’s right campaigner JK Rowling has also resurfaced among his critics.
In October 2024, Rowling took aim at trans broadcaster India Willoughby on X, and Thompson replied: “JK, if I may be so familiar, I do wonder why you give them the oxygen they are so desperate for but I am so so glad you do. It’s a kick in the balls every time.”
