Irish Eurovision star Bambie Thug gets huge boost after suffering health scare
Irish Eurovision sensation Bambie Thug is on a winning streak, despite recent health concerns. The Emerald Isle's representative has seen their odds dramatically cut this week, making them one of the favourites to take home the crown at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
The glitzy competition will be taking place in Malmo this week, following Sweden's triumphant win last year with two-time champion Loreen. This year also marks a special milestone - the 50th anniversary of ABBA's first victory in 1974.
The majority of acts will battle it out in one of the semi-finals, with the first taking place on Tuesday night and the second following on Thursday. Those who make it through will then perform in the grand final on Saturday.
31 year old Bambie Thug, whose off-stage name is Bambie Robinson, is set to represent Ireland with their track 'Doomsday Blue' and they'll be up against 14 other acts in the first semi-final hoping to secure their chance at competing in the grand final. After a surge of bets over the weekend, bookmakers Ladbrokes have now slashed the odds on Bambi clinching the Eurovision title from 16/1 to just 9/1 with Ireland hot on the heels of favourites like Switzerland, reports the Mirror.
However, in order to stand a chance at winning, Ireland must first secure a spot in the grand final. The bookies currently list its odds for qualifying at 1/25. Plus, they've given the country an 8/1 chance of Bambie actually winning the semi-final.
Alex Apati from Ladbrokes has hinted that "all eyes are on" Bambie right now, stating: "All eyes are on Bambie Thug at the moment and our traders are clearly convinced Ireland have a great chance of going all the way in Sweden."
The latest odds from Ladbrokes reveal the top five favourites to win as Croatia's Baby Lasagna (11/8), Switzerland's Nemo (7/2), Italy's Angelina Mango (5/1), Ukraine's alyona alyona and Jerry Heil (6/1), while the United Kingdom, represented by Olly Alexander, is trailing with odds of 66/1.
According to the bookmaker's odds, Baby Lasagna, who will perform Rim Tim Tagi Dim, is the favourite to clinch the first semi-final for Croatia. The favourites include Croatia (1/3), Ukraine (4/1), Ireland (8/1) and then Finland (12/1).
This update comes after Bambie revealed last week that they had been hospitalised due to consuming "bad shellfish" just days before the semi-final. The artist informed fans that they wouldn't be attending a planned meet and greet.
As a result, Bambie took to Instagram on Saturday to share: "Hey guys, really sorry but I have to cancel my meet and greet performance today... I had to go to hospital late last night and be put on a drip because I ate some bad shellfish. I need to take the day to try and recover so I can smash my performances next week."
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final airs Saturday May 11 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
