Fleur East is no longer than the overwhelming favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing as the latest bookies odds identify a new rival for the Glitterball trophy.
As soon as the line-up for the new series was confirmed in full it was former X Factor and I'm A Celebrity star who was identified as the one to beat by experts, who put her far and ahead of other contestants in the early betting. That was a view shared by many Strictly fans, who also had her down as potential champion from the get-go.
However, with just days to go now until the new series of the hit BBC gets going with is delayed launch show, bookies have updated their odds to make Helen Skelton the joint favourite to win Strictly this year, with both her and Fleur on odds of 7/2 with Betfair. Former Blue Peter host Helen has crept into the reckoning after being at the centre of 'fix' accusations from sceptics, due to her one admitting to winning a tap dancing competition and once dancing in a Christmas special.
READ MORE : Gino D'Acampo ordered off Loose Women as he 'gate crashes' show
The current third favourite is the celeb judge Craig Revel-Horwood said he was most looking forward to watching, ex Two Pints of Lager star Will Mellor.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “We’re just days away from the sound of the famous Strictly soundtrack filling living rooms around the country and we already have our early front-runners with Fleur East and Helen Skelton the joint 7/2 favourites to waltz their way to the glitterball.
“Punters are shying away from Loose Women star Kaye Adams, with her 50/1 odds of winning ranking her as the least likely winner.”
This year's launch show, where we'll finally find out which celeb is paired with which pro dancer, will air just a night before the live shows kick off, after the launch was pushed back in the aftermath of the Queen's death.
Read next:
-
Eamonn Holmes aims dig at Phillip and Holly after queue jump denial
-
Kate Middleton wears Queen's pearl choker and earrings for funeral in fitting tribute
-
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie spark Queen's funeral confusion over 'early' exit
-
BBC's Huw Edwards takes swipe at Westminster Hall 'queue jumpers' after Phillip and Holly denial
-
Meghan Markle's Queen's funeral outfit sees Duchess of Sussex pay subtle tribute to Her Majesty
