George Takei is the new favourite to win

The former 'Star Trek' star - who at 71 is the oldest contestant to ever take part in the reality TV show - has taken over from pre-show tips Joe Swash and Simon Webbe as most popular choice to take the Jungle King crown at the end of the series, with bookmakers giving him odds of 5-2. A spokesperson for bookmakers William Hill said: "We think George made an impressive impact in the opening show. The Trekkies may come out in their force to support him, and he seems a perfect quirky candidate for the British public to take to their hearts.

"Programme hosts Ant and Dec have tipped George to win and their record is fairly good, we fully expect to see him in the final few days." Chat show host-turned-politician Robert Kilroy-Silk is tipped to be the first celebrity to leave the Australian jungle, with odds of 5/2 being offered on his early departure, closely followed by 11/4 on glamour model Nicola McLean being deemed too unpopular to stay.

Betting experts report taking just one bet of over £1 on 66-year-old Robert winning the show.

Former Mis-Teeq singer Su-Elise Nash is being lined up as a surprise late contestant to 'I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here!'.

The 27-year-old beauty is currently holed up in a luxury hotel around 20 miles away from the Australian camp where the contest is taking place, with show bosses planning to send her in later this week.

She has joined former Dollar singer David Van Day, 51, who was revealed last week as being on stand-by for the programme.

A show insider said: "It's no secret we like to send other celebs in once the show has started.

"It gives people a jolt after they think they've become comfortable." Su-Elise - who is now a solo singer - will be hoping the programme can transform her fortunes in the same way that 'Strictly Come Dancing' resurrected her former bandmate Aleesha Dixon's career last year. Aleesha had been dropped by her record label following flop solo singles but was offered a new deal after winning the dance contest and is currently enjoying chart success again.

Last year, 'I'm A Celebrity.' chiefs sent Christopher Biggins in as a late entrant and he went on to win the show.

However, he was also expected to be joined by Right Said Fred, but despite the 90s pop duo being flown to Australia and placed on stand-by, they spent the entire series in their hotel.

They later blasted ITV bosses for wasting their time.