London, Jan 6 : The BBC has denied new Doctor Who Matt Smith had any knowledge about the betting that took place over the identity of the 11th Doctor.

A wager had been waged on Smith, 26, at odds of up to 80-1, and when he landed the role unexpectedly, he was dragged into a betting scandal after bookies, who stood to lose tens of thousands of pounds, said the wagers had been placed after the BBC told the new Doctor he had gotten the role.

Most of the bets were placed in Northamptonshire, the county Smith grew up in, but a BBC spokeswoman has denied that he or anyone he knew was involved in the betting.

"The BBC has no knowledge of anyone betting on the outcome of the identity of the 11th Doctor," the Daily Star quoted her as saying.

It appears that several people at the Corporation were "in the know" about the appointment, and that Smith had been told he had the part shortly before Christmas.

But the BBC refused to confirm exactly how many people knew about the appointment.

Paddy Power spokesman Darren Haines said that they took 40,000 pounds in bets on Smith and his rivals.

"The vast majority of these bets were placed in Northamptonshire. What can I say - it's not normally a hotbed for this kind of betting. It seems somebody knew something," he said.

"But good luck to those involved. That's what gambling is all about - having an edge. I'm just upset I wasn't on it," he added.

Last night a Northamptonshire police spokesman said that the force would investigate any complaints of insider gambling in conjunction with the Gambling Commission.

If found guilty they and anyone who dishonestly tipped them off face two years in jail and a fine.

However, Betfair confirmed they knew the person who requested Smith be added to their market and everyone who bet on him, and said that they would fully co-operate with any inquiry.

"Betfair knows the identity of everyone who places a bet on the site and we are positioned to monitor all of our markets," Betfair's spokesman Tony Calvin said. (ANI)