Odds on Newcastle jazz trio Knats winning the Mercury Prize on home turf have been cut to 9/1 after a surge of bets, making them fifth favourites for Thursday's ceremony at the Utilita Arena.
The band, comprising Stan Woodward, King David-Ike Elechi and Ferg Kilsby, are shortlisted for their album A Great Day in Newcastle. They are one of two North East acts in contention, alongside JADE, the former Little Mix star nominated for her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby.
Betting surge and current favourites
Bookmakers have shortened Knats' odds after 23% of bets placed since the start of the month favoured the trio. They sit behind Olivia Dean, who has led the odds for months, RAYE, Nia Archives and Dave.
The influx follows last year's surprise win by Sam Fender, who beat favourites Fontaines DC and CMAT to take the Album of the Year award for People Watching at the same venue.
Band reaction to nomination
Knats told BBC host Nick Grimshaw on his Sidetracked podcast that they were still in shock at the nomination, having learned the news while in Newcastle. They recalled: "Our manager rang us, he was in this bar in Gateshead and he was like on the floor rolling around crying! We were on Grainger Street when we found out."
The Mercury Prize ceremony takes place on Thursday at the Utilita Arena, where Knats will hope to follow Fender's example and claim the prestigious accolade.
