TWO friends are launching a bid to sue a lottery provider after they were refused a £4 million scratchcard jackpot.

A barrister is expected to file for legal proceedings at the High Court on behalf of Mark Goodram and Jon-Ross Watson today,

Henry Hendron says he hopes the case against Camelot will be fast-tracked through the court due to the pair’s “chronic need for cash”.

He added: “My clients have got no money, they are starving.

“This is a real emergency for them so they can actually afford to eat. It is our view that this can be determined sooner rather than later.”

Mr Hendron had intended to file the papers last week, however, he claims it has taken slightly longer than expected due to issues with the pair’s national insurance numbers.

Should they be filed today as planned, Mr Hendron hopes a judge will hear the case next Tuesday.

Mr Goodram and Mr Watson bought the winning ticket in a Waitrose store in south London on Easter Monday.

However, after attempting to cash it in, the pair’s criminal past came to light, prompting Camelot to investigate.

They have since taken the view that the funds used to buy the ticket did not belong to the pair, neither of whom have bank accounts, and said they will not be paying out.

The friends are both convicted criminals and Mr Goodram has 22 convictions for 45 offences.

He is understood to have been released on police licence from prison just weeks before the win — having been sentenced to eight months imprisonment for burglary in November.

Mr Watson also has burglary convictions and has appeared in The Bolton News’ ‘Most Wanted’ lists a number of times, including in July 2017 for failing to appear in court regarding an offence of burglary.

Mr Goodram and Mr Watson had previously told The Sun newspaper that the card belonged to a friend called John — but could not provide his surname, address or phone number.

Despite the controversy, Mr and Mr Watson, who bought the £10 National Lottery scratch card a trip to the capital, were determined to celebrate.

They were pictured celebrating with champagne and cocktails, and Mr Goodram told The Sun he would spend his potential winnings on luxury properties.

READ > Bolton pair were refused lottery jackpot 'because they are working class', says lawyer

Despite the threat of legal action, Camelot have stood by their decision not to pay out the jackpot.

Mr Hendron said: “They have a lot to lose in these proceedings. They have got credibility issues and how they behave in the application of their own rules, which are lob-sided to say the least.”

Camelot have been approached for comment.