The first live show kicks off this Saturday on BBC One (Image: BBC)
A Strictly Come Dancing duo has been dealt a crushing blow just hours before the first live show. Last Saturday, television audiences witnessed celebrities being paired with their professional dancing partners, and tomorrow evening marks their inaugural performance on the dance floor. While nobody faces elimination this weekend, bookmakers have been releasing their forecasts for who might be first to meet their fate, and prospects look grim for Ross King and his dancing partner, Jowita Przystał.
Betway has given them 100/1 odds of being the first to depart, with Chris Robshaw trailing closely at 66/1. Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis also finds himself in perilous territory with 33/1 odds, reports The Daily Star.
Jowita and Ross King have been partnered together for the 2025 series (Image: BBC)
Meanwhile, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope currently stands as the bookmakers’ favourite to claim the Glitterball Trophy, partnered with Katya Jones. YouTube sensation George Clarke follows closely behind with 9/2 odds.
Dani Dyer had also been earmarked as a potential champion of the 2025 series until a rehearsal injury compelled her to withdraw from the competition this week.
The BBC released a statement from the devastated Love Island star, who disclosed she was “heartbroken” to see her Strictly adventure terminated prematurely.
“I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny,” she revealed, reports Wales Online. “I thought I had rolled my foot, but it swelled up badly over the weekend, and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.
“Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show.”
She continued, “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”
BBC Studios’ executive Sarah James added: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy, and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.
“Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”
