Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has officially begun, and the series’ 20th anniversary promises to be an interesting battle to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
Despite recent controversy around some of the professional dancers, the launch show proved that there really is no business like show business. In true Strictly style, the episode began with an energetic performance to a nostalgic medley of 90s and noughties dance hits, as the professionals burst onto the dance floor in a flurry of colours, confetti and – of course – glitter.
This year’s celebrity lineup is jam-packed full of athletes, popstars and TV personalities including former football legend, Paul Merson, The X Factor Winner Shayne Ward, and TOWIE ‘bad boy’, Pete Wicks.
But which celebrities are set to reach this year’s final? Who’s going to receive the first iconic “seveeeeeen”? And who’s going to fumble the bag before Week 2?
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Odds: Who Is The Favourite To Win
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Whilst there are many professional athletes in the competition who will be expected to keep up with the Strictly stamina, all eyes are on Eastenders’ star, Jamie Borthwick. Jamie, who’s known for playing lovable Jay Brown, won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special at the end of last year – it’s easy to see why betting sites in the UK are saying he’s a favourite to win at 5/2. But, Jamie’s not so confident; commenting on the launch show that he doesn’t think he can “blag it for a full 13 weeks.”
Ex-Love Island Star, Tasha Ghouri, also has the nation’s eyes on her, with her Strictly Come Dancing 2024 odds at 11/4, making her a favourite to win. Born deaf, you may be fooled by thinking she’s at a disadvantage, but she’s actually the only celebrity with a professional dance training background – so the pressure is on her to bring some impressive skills to the dance floor.
This season not only marks the 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing, but will also see the return of professional dancer, Amy Dowden, after recovering from her battle with cancer. There was even a special number in the launch show dedicated to welcoming Amy back to the Strictly family. The nation’s love for Amy will no doubt have an impact on how long she and partner, JLS singer, JB Gill, stay in the competition – with his odds at 3/1.
Likely to go far but not all the way is actor, Sarah Hadland, who is partnered with the reigning champion, Vito – 10/1.
Fresh from the Paris Olympics 2024 and straight onto the Strictly dance floor is triple-Olympic champion, Tom Dean. But whilst Tom has no problem making his way up and down a pool, he says his dance experience is “little to none,” and his Strictly 2024 odds aren’t looking promising at 14/1.
Strictly Come Dancing Odds 2024 Predictions: Who Will Be Eliminated First
Judging by Strictly past, the first contestants to be eliminated from the show are typically in the over 50s category. Take last year, actor Les Dennis (age 70) was the first to get the boot.
This doesn’t bode well for football legend, Paul Merson (age 56), 9/4, Nick Knowles (age 61), 3/1, and Wynne Evans (age 52), 7/2 – with Evans telling the audience that he’s “doing it for the dads.”
Comedians also historically tend to not go very far. Perhaps all their rhythm gets channelled into comedic timing and nothing is left for footwork. Whatever it is, the odds of 9/2 aren’t looking good for Chris McCausland, who himself said in the launch show: “I might as well get the jokes in now; I’m only here for 3 weeks!”
Only time will tell as to which celebs will thrive at the jive and which will tango-all-the-way-home…
The first live show of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be on BBC One on Saturday 21st September at 7pm.
