BROADCHURCH has not only put West Bay in front of millions of TV viewers, the edge of the sofa drama series has got the bookies excited too.

Betting chain Ladbrokes reports frenzied betting on the outcome of the eight-part ITV series starring the Jurassic Coast, David Tennant and Olivia Colman.

Dubbed the Broadchurch ‘Oooooh!’ factor, fans gasp at the twists and turns in the plot written by Bridport’s Chris Chibnall who has kept viewers glued to the screen.

Last week’s episode was watched by 7.2 million viewers – 28 per cent of all those watching TV at 9pm on Monday night, March 25.

Figures including catch-up services show that more than nine million people have been tuning in.

Tonight, in the fifth episode, journalists Olly and Karen work on an article about newsagent Jack’s past but discover their piece has been rewritten to make him look like a sex offender. Elsewhere, Det Sgt Ellie Miller realises the evidence Jack handed over does not tally with her knowledge of Danny’s possessions.

According to Ladbrokes, current betting on who killed Danny Latimer puts harbour shopkeeper Jack Marshall (David Bradley) at odds-on as the killer of the schoolboy found dead on the beach.

Second favourite is the mysterious and menacing Susan Wright at 3-1, followed by the vicar with secrets Rev Peter Coates (Arthur Darvill) at 6-1.

Least fancied as the killer is Tennant’s character Det Insp Alec Hardy at 50-1, with Det Sgt Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) at 25-1.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbroke’s said: “This is the most exciting whodunnit since Lisa shot Phil in EastEnders. Punters are desperate to know the culprit and the money suggests the reverend has been rather unholy.”

Steve Tucker, co-owner of the Ellipse Caffé at West Bay where some scenes were filmed, said: “Right now no-one glued to Monday television seems to have the faintest idea.”

“So, to harness the power of community thinking we’re launching a cash prize draw and supper for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.

“What we want to know is: who, where and why?”

Steve is asking people to either download a crime sheet from Ellipse’s Facebook or web page, or pop in and complete one over a coffee with fellow sleuths.

There is a fee for every entry placed in the café’s Broadchurch Mystery Box which has an increasing scale of charges as more clues are revealed in each episode.

The winner, drawn from correct entries, will be announced at the Ellipse at a special meal – Last Supper for Someone in Broadchurch – on Monday, April 22, when the climax of the show is reached.

Steve said that the first coach has already been spotted, laden with tourists seeking fictional Broadchurch and key locations.