The Darkness' album has been at number one for two weeks

Bookmaker William Hill closed its book on Saturday, with The Darkness finishing 7/2 favourites - cut from Thursday's price of 6/1.

The flamboyant newcomers leapfrogged Coldplay, who finished at 4/1, with garage star Dizzee Rascal at 9/2.

The Mercury Prize, for best album of the year by a UK or Irish act, is awarded in London on Tuesday.

Watch The Darkness on Top of the Pops

The Darkness have been one of the most popular new bands to emerge in 2003, and their debut album, Permission To Land, has spent two weeks at number one.

MERCURY FAVOURITES The Darkness - 7/2 Coldplay (above) - 4/1 Dizzee Rascal - 9/2 Athlete - 5/1 The Thrills - 6/1 Source: William Hill

They have become known for their entertaining live shows, 1980s-style stadium metal anthems and the spandex catsuits worn by singer Justin Hawkins.

Ladbrokes closed bets a day earlier - with The Darkness second favourites behind Dizzee Rascal - but reported a flurry of fans trying to bet on The Darkness after the book closed at the weekend.

"Hundreds of people have been trying to back the Darkness to win," a Ladbrokes spokesman said.

"We've had a lot of people coming in, mainly in west London and Camden trying to back The Darkness - music industry places are based there."

Both bookmakers said they always closed their books several days before such events took place, and did not stop taking bets because of The Darkness' popularity.

Also in the running for the prestigious award are melodic rock group Athlete, Irish band The Thrills and relative veterans Radiohead.