Barrymore, who made a meal out of his entrance by lapping up the attention from the cheering crowd, was the second housemate to enter the house, but the first celebrity. He followed Chantelle, who is a member of the public pretending to be a singer.
Unofficial overnight viewing figures from Barb have indicated that the launch show was watched by an average 6.5m viewers and a 25.8% share of those viewing television at the time. At its peak the show was watched by 7.6m, taking a 31.2% share of audience.
Ladbrokes have promoted Barrymore to 3/1 favourite as he seeks to win 'Celebrity Big Brother', which is being seen by the media as his TV combeback.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "The public reaction proved that Barrymore's star is still shining.
"We feared he might be damaged goods but the phones started ringing as soon as the show was over.
"The punters have started to make their move for the troubled funnyman."
For Barrymore the challenge is seen as coming from Ordinary Boys indie band singer, Preston, who is level pegging with Goldie Lookin' Chain singer Maggot, who are both at 4/1.
Controversial Respect MP, anti-war campaigner and limelight lover George Galloway is next in the betting at 10/1.
"Preston's already got the pulses racing and he could well corner the female vote" said Williams.
Ladbrokes said that the pre-show favourite, former NBA star Dennis Rodman has drifted to 12/1 along with model and party goer Jodie Marsh. Cross-dresser Rodman did not impress with his moody antics.
Ladbrokes latest betting:
Who will win Celebrity Big Brother?
3/1 Michael Barrymore
4/1 Preston
4/1 Maggot
10/1 George Galloway
12/1 Dennis Rodman
12/1 Jodie Marsh
12/1 Peter Burns
14/1 Rula Lenska
16/1 Faria Alam
16/1 Tracie Bingham
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