I've spent over 20 years inside the betting industry. I'll guide you to avoid the hype, ignore the noise, and steer clear of the common pitfalls that catch out everyday punters.
- Bookmakers have Strictly as clear favourites to be the most-watched reality show in 2021
- I'm a Celebrity Get me Out of Here is tipped to be 2nd Best prior to line-up announcements.
- Great British Bake Off Final was More Popular than Ant and Dec in 2020
- The Masked Singer 2020 Final Drew more
Strictly Puts Its Best Foot Forward
Whilst we have already sat through The Masked Singer and most recently Love Island, it is Autumn and the run-up to Christmas when British Reality TV really kicks into gear, the nights draw in and the public settles down to watch Celebrities do battle in the Jungle [see Welsh castle] and dancefloor.
2021 promises much with Strictly Come Dancing Celebs announced and I'm a Celeb confirmed as taking place in Wales once again and bookmakers have the former down as a clear favourite to win the TV ratings - again!
Most Watched Reality TV Show in 2021
The figures are based on the viewership of the series final according to BARB ratings
| Show | 2021 Odds | Probability | 2020 Final Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Come Dancing | 4/7 | 63.65% | 12,500,000 |
| I'm a Celebrity | 2/1 | 33.33% | 11,500,000 |
| The Masked Singer | 13/2 | 13.33% | 9,900,000 |
| Love Island | 10/1 | 9.09% | 4,200,000 |
| The Great British Bake Off | 25/1 | 3.85% | 11,100,000 |
**Probability percentage figures include bookmakers overround - odds correct at 31/8/2021
Ant & Dec Back in Wales
I'm pretty sure the switch to a cold and wet castle for the stars of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here makes little difference to the ratings, rather, those competing possibly have more effect.
We are as yet to be furnished with information on which celebs will be gracing the castle in Wales this year and undertaking the various daily challenges and tasks, although some rumours have started already.
I'm a Celebrity got 11,400,000 viewers for the final in 2020 voting for and watching Giovanna Fletcher pick up the Queen of the Jungle title with Jordan North runner-up - A full 1 million viewers fewer than Strictly gained when 80/1 outside Bill Bailey won.
Giovanna Fans may be switching channels this year to watch her husband and McFly member Tom Fletcher who is the current favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing 2021
Don't Forget What's In The Oven
Bookmakers have all but discounted the chance of The Great British Bake Off finale grabbing the most viewers in 2021, giving it just a 3.85% chance against Strictly's 63.65%
Despite the lack of Celebrities, the amateur baker show gains a huge audience. The 2020 final saw 11.1 million viewers tune in; just 400,000 fewer than the I'm a Celeb final.
Realistically it is unlikely to top the dance show, but in comparison to The Masked Singers 9m and love islands paltry 4m viewers, it stands a better chance than bookmakers have given it.
