FORMER detective Mick Easton from Southfleet is tipped as the favourite to win ITV's reality game show Survivor.

Internet discussion groups are positive about his chances while betting shops also say the smart money would be on him.

Fellow Survivors describe Mick as “strong, agile and good fun as well”.

They say his friendly nature and easy-going attitude give him a good shot at winning the £1m prize money.

Adrian Baucham, from Northfleet, who was voted off in episode six, said: “I think Mick will win. He's not getting involved in voting alliances, is friendly to everyone and has not had a vote against him yet.”

Mick also has the support of viewers. One fan describes him as a “Quality geeza” on the Survivor website.

Meanwhile, bookmakers are giving him odds of 11 to 10 at being the winner.

After more than three weeks, Mick, 55, of Station Road, Betsham, is one of eight contestants out of the original 16 still left on the island of Pulau Tiga, in the South China Sea.

He made headlines early in the series when he smuggled three sausages wrapped in cling film onto the island.

Apparently he intended to take six sausages “hidden about his person”, but said: “When I got to four I could not manage anymore.”

Mick has returned home since filming the program but remains tight-lipped about his experiences. The landlord at The Collyer Arms, near Mick's home, said: “He comes in here about four or five times a week but has not said anything about the programme. If he is the winner, I will be really disappointed if he goes somewhere else to celebrate.”