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Edenbridge Bonfire Society could burn effigy of Jeremy Clarkson at annual bonfire night

Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson is the bookies' favourite to be burned at the stake during a bonfire night in Kent.

The outspoken TV personality has been dubbed by William Hill as the top pick to be the Edenbridge 'guy' at the Edenbridge Bonfire Society's annual event next month.

Clarkson was reportedly chosen as the favourite for causing outrage among viewers after TV pranks and controversial comments.

Jeremy Clarkson was the top bet for the Edenbridge Guy this year
Jeremy Clarkson was the top bet for the Edenbridge Guy this year

The 54-year-old has recently been at the centre of a dispute after the Top Gear's team car was driving through Argentina with the number plate 'H982 FKL'.

It was branded an insulting reference to the Falklands War, but producers said it was co-incidental.

The BBC star joins a hall of shame at the event in Edenbridge alongside former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins, whose effigy was burnt at the stake last year.

The celebrity Guy in 2012 was none other than disgraced American cyclist Lance Armstrong - who many believe has let down his sport, his sponsors and his huge public following by using performance enhancing drugs.

In 2011 Mario Balotelli made a bit of fool of himself when fireworks were let off in his bathroom, so the society decided to make a bit of a fool of him too.

Outspoken columnist Katie Hopkins
Outspoken columnist Katie Hopkins
An effigy of Katie Hopkins has previously been burnt
An effigy of Katie Hopkins has previously been burnt

The Edenbridge Bonfire Society has today revealed the latest odds from William Hill on who will be chosen this year.

Clarkson is the top pick at 4-1 with former England cricketer Pietersen and Scottish politician Alex Salmond tied second with 6-1.

Also in the line-up are Barcelona footballer Luis Suarez, Ed Miliband and Nigel Farage.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage. Picture: Mike Pett
Ukip leader Nigel Farage. Picture: Mike Pett

Other well-known faces who have previously been burnt include model Katie Price, ex-PM Gordon Brown and comedian Russell Brand.

Jon Mitchell, a member of the Edenbridge Bonfire Society could not confirm that Jeremy Clarkson would be the celebrity Guy this year.

He said: "We haven't made a final decision about who the celebrity guy will be, the society will have a meeting and decide we will probably take a vote, but yes, Jeremy Clarkson is the bookie's favourite by the looks of it."

"We will soon give the celebrity guy an identity. We have had lots of entries for the procession already including floats and walking parties."

A 10m tall effigy of Lance Armstrong was Edenbridge's Guy in 2012
A 10m tall effigy of Lance Armstrong was Edenbridge's Guy in 2012
The Edenbridge Bonfire Society 82 years ago in 1932
The Edenbridge Bonfire Society 82 years ago in 1932

The Edenbridge Bonfire Society is a long-running committee and the bonfire night has been a tradition in the town for nearly 100 years.

This year it will take place on Saturday, November 8. A band will play in the High Street from 6.15pm, with a procession beginning in Fircroft Way at 6.30pm.

Mr Mitchell expects between 500-600 people will join the procession, which is free of charge and thousands more to attend the firework display.

It will travel the whole length of the town, circles at the South end and then returns to the top of the High Street.

The main fireworks display starts in the field at 8.30pm.

For more information visit www.edenbridgebonfire.co.uk

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