Honest Brig’s Christmas Market

The Christmas schedules are out!

Over the past ten years or so I’ve won quite a bit of money predicting Xmas Day Number One, mainly stopping a few years ago after quite a large bet didn’t come in (gambling’s a mug’s game, kids). When the fun stops, stop.

What I’ve always done though is bet for value – no interest (or indeed fun) in odds-ons, the fun is backing the shows others aren’t considering. The betting markets for this aren’t open yet but look out for it being offered in the weeks to come.

I suspect Call the Midwife will *probably* top the day (although increasingly suspect its value is going to be in +7). But. But but but. Look at what odds you can get on Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel – if you can get good odds, 8-1 or more (and this is entirely possible if people pile into Strictly/Midwife/Mrs Brown), I reckon that’s worth a cheeky fiver or fifty – great slot (6:25, after Strictly), popular show, good “don’t have to put much thought in” entertainment and numbers are down all over the shop.

Three things you need to consider when betting Xmas Day Number One:

• The Queen counts separately on BBC and ITV and other channels, it is usually not combined for the purposes of the market. As she gets increasingly elderly I think there’s an increasing chance The Queen on BBC1 will top the day, but I don’t think we’re there *yet*.
• Markets tend to be settled on overnight figures but do check the Ts and Cs – needless to say a market settled on +7 is likely to have to a very different outcome.
• Remember you do any betting at your own risk! I like to put my money where my mouth is, you are not obliged.

Edit: As has been pointed out in the comments, Blankety Blank is a great shout as well. If you’re lucky perhaps they’ll both be at long odds then you can cover both of them!