David Bowie has been named as the bookies’ favourite to win the Mercury Prize 2016.
The star, who passed away in January, released his final album Blackstar just days before his death.
The record has been given odds of 1/2 to win the coveted award, with Skepta’s Konnichiwa and Anohni’s Hopelessness joint second with 8/1 odds.
If Bowie were to win, it would be the first time the Mercury has been awarded posthumously.
“David Bowie looks the Star Man and has been backed off the books to win this year,” says Betfair’s Colm Rock.
“It would be a respectful tribute for a true music legend but nothing is final yet as historically it is rare that the favourite goes on to win the award.
Mercury Prize 2016: the shortlisted albums
“Joint second favourite in the market are Anohni, who won as part of a band called Anthony and the Johnsons in 2005, and much-loved grime artist Skepta, the latter of which has seen a huge amount of support in the betting since wowing the crowds at Glastonbury.”
Also shortlisted are the likes of Radiohead for A Moon Shaped Pool; Bat For Lashes for The Bride; Michael Kiwanuka for Love & Hate; and The 1975 for the unwieldy-titled I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It.
The winner will be announced at a London awards ceremony on September 15.
