Splash! Bets are on Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards to win

Paddy Power are facing a payout of over £27,000 should Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards live up to his favourite tag and win tomorrow’s final of ITV’s Splash!

The bookie had originally priced Eddie as a 20/1 outsider but strong backing and even stronger performances has seen the former ski jumper’s odds dive to a skimpy 1/6.

To make matters worse for Paddy, it would appear that there’s little standing in the Olympian’s way with fellow finalists Linda Barker and Jake Canuso both available at an unlikely 8/1 to take the title.

A spokesperson for Paddy Power said “We’re staring down the barrel of a gun on this one, it’s safe to say that we underestimated Eddie and the public have caught us with our pants down.”

Splash! To Win:

1/6         Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards

8/1         Linda Barker

8/1         Jake Canuso

All prices remain subject to fluctuation.

The series, panned by Twitter users and TV Critics, has fared well in the ratings thanks to a combination of scantily clad minor celebrities, Olympian Tom Daley’s bulge and little competition from BBC One.

Splash! ITV, Saturday.