BREAKING NEWS: BBC Strictly Come Dancing star dealt crushing news hours before first live show
Strictly Come Dancing is preparing for its first live show of 2026, but bookmakers have already delivered an early setback for Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb.
Lawrence, who is partnered with professional dancer Jowita Przystal, has attracted growing support in the betting market following the launch show.
However, he is still behind former Love Island star Dani Dyer, who remains Betway’s 10/3 favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
With the celebrities yet to perform their first competitive routines, the odds are only bookmakers’ current assessment rather than an indication of how the series will ultimately unfold.
Lawrence Robb’s Odds Shorten Before First Dance
Lawrence has moved from 7/1 to 5/1 after attracting support following the launch episode.
That leaves him among the more strongly backed contestants, but still behind Dani in Betway’s outright market.
YouTuber John Nellis has experienced an even more dramatic shift, shortening from 16/1 to 9/1.
Betway spokesperson Lewis Knowles said John had been “by far the best backed contestant” since the launch show.
“Lawrence Robb is another we’ve seen good support for, but Dani Dyer remains strong in the market as our 10/3 favourite,” he added.
Dani had been due to compete in the previous series but withdrew because of injury, according to the source.
She now returns with bookmakers placing her at the front of the market before the first live performances have even begun.
Shaun Wright-Phillips at Other End of Market
While some contestants have attracted early backing, former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips sits at the opposite end of Betway’s odds.
The former Manchester City and Chelsea player is listed at 40/1, making him the bookmaker’s outsider of the field.
Knowles noted that sporting stars have historically performed well on Strictly, suggesting Olympian Tabby Stoecker could be one contestant to watch.
But expectations for Shaun currently appear considerably lower based on the betting market.
That does not mean he will necessarily be the first contestant eliminated. The odds simply reflect betting activity and the bookmaker’s assessment before viewers have seen the celebrities perform competitively.
Lawrence Admits He Has ‘Big Shoes to Fill’
Lawrence was officially paired with Jowita during last weekend’s launch show.
The Emmerdale actor was asked about following other stars from the ITV soap who have previously competed on the BBC dance programme.
“They are very big shoes to fill,” he admitted.
He then jokingly compared his own challenge with that facing the programme’s new presenters following the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
“I guess I can empathise with you guys, filling Claudia and Tess’ place,” Lawrence said.
The actor also sounded eager to finally get onto the ballroom floor after training with Jowita.
“It was amazing,” he said of rehearsals.
“Honestly, now I am chomping at the bit to get down and do it.”
Watching the other contestants rehearse only increased his excitement.
“Watching the girls do it makes you feel like, ‘I just wanna do it now’,” he added.
First Live Show Will Finally Test the Predictions
Saturday’s programme will see the new celebrity-professional partnerships perform before the judges for the first time.
There will be no elimination during the opening weekend, meaning everyone will survive regardless of where they finish on the leaderboard.
The competition becomes more serious the following week when the first celebrity is due to leave.
Alongside Lawrence, the 2026 cast includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Graeme Hall, among others.
For now, Dani remains the name bookmakers have placed at the head of the market, while Lawrence’s improving odds suggest punters have become increasingly interested in his chances.
But with the first live routines still to come, the ballroom itself will provide the first real opportunity for the contestants to show what they can do — and potentially send those early odds shifting again.
