Judi Dench Can Pull Off Bafta Surprise

Helen Mirren is the 1/12 red hot favourite to win the Best Actress BAFTA to add to her already bursting trophy cabinet, but there has been a late surge of bets for Judi Dench at 10/1 as punters sniff a possible upset and bet on the value.

"Helen Mirren looks certain to win an Oscar for her portrayal of the Queen and a number of shrewd punters are backing Judi Dench to be awarded a BAFTA as a consolation for not winning the Oscar," said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

The Queen is 15/8 second favourite to win the Best Film award, for which Departed is the even money favourite.

The Best Actor award looks destined to go to Forest Whitaker who is the 2/7 favourite but again the money suggests that Peter O'Toole could provide an upset at 5/2.

The new Bond Daniel Craig is totally friendless in the betting and for once will probably have to settle for second best. William Hill are offering a number of Daniel Craig specials, which include: 6/1 that he arrives with two dates; 10/1 that Craig dyes his hair black for the award ceremony, 25/1 that he abseils onto the red carpet and 50/1 that Daniel Craig arrives with a White Cat called Blofeld.

William Hill expect Sacha Baron Cohen to turn up as himself and offer 5/1 he appears as 'Borat'.