Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal is now 25/1 to win the entire show, according to the latest bookies odds, after she escaped the dance-off and sailed through to the show’s semi-final.

The EastEnders star has been in the bottom two five times. However, on last night’s Strictly results show, she escaped what bookies were calling a near-certain elimination to become the “dark horse” of the competition.

At the same time, firm favourite to win Karen Carney has seen her odds slip…
Balvinder Sopal can’t be underestimated, bookies have warned in new Strictly odds (Credit: BBC)

Latest Strictly odds see Karen remain favourite to win

According to SportsCasting, although she’s still the outside to win, Balvinder’s odds of lifting the Glitterball Trophy have massively shortened. However, there’s been no change when it comes to the favourite to win the 2025 show.

But SportsCasting spokesperson Shane Orton did tell us that Karen Carney’s been handed a bit of a blow.

He said: “Going into semi-finals week, there is no change at the top of the outright market, with Karen and Carlos Gu (5/6) maintaining their favouritism. Although the gap has narrowed to a resurgent George Clarke and Alexis Warr (5/4), who delivered a wonderful Argentine Tango.

“Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin (16/1) produced what was arguably one of the best performances in Strictly history on Saturday’s Musicals Night, yet still ended up in the dance-off. Amber’s well-documented struggles to connect with the voting public continue to hold her back at this stage.

“Balvinder and Julian Caillon (25/1) are now emerging as intriguing dark horses. Balvinder’s journey to this point has been emotional and inspirational. She has survived five dance-offs and may finally be connecting with viewers after avoiding the bottom two thanks to a simply stunning Viennese Waltz.”
Karen Carney’s lead as favourite is starting to slip (Credit: BBC)

‘Nobody is safe’

Shane reckons Balvinder is still unlikely to make the series finale. She has odds of 2/5 on to leave Strictly in this weekend’s semi-final.

However, as we saw on Sunday night (December 7), anything can happen!

“I think we’re all still in shock at Lewis and Katya’s departure, and it goes to show that nobody is safe at this stage,” said Shane.

“Balvinder and Julian (2/5) are, unsurprisingly, short-priced favourites to leave at the final hurdle before the grand final. But would anyone really dare bet against them at this point?

“Amber and Nikita (5/1) look almost certain to end up in the dance-off, but can you see anyone beating them in a one-off performance? It would be a surprise.

“George and Alexis (13/2), along with Karen and Carlos (8/1), remain outsiders to leave the competition, but at this stage one wrong move could spell curtains for anyone.”

Read more: Strictly backlash over raunchy pro dance: ‘Enough to make me stop paying my licence fee’