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The much-loved television show, Strictly Come Dancing, is set to make its return to the BBC with the highly anticipated Blackpool special. This episode will see the celebrity contestants take to the iconic Tower Ballroom stage. While reaching this point in the competition is a significant achievement for both the celebrities and their professional dance partners, it also signifies the moment when one contestant will be sent home. Last week, emotions ran high as reality star Vicky Pattison, paired with pro dancer Kai Widdrington, found themselves in the bottom two alongside actress Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon.
Despite her best efforts, the 38-year-old Vicky Pattison failed to impress the judges with her Jive performance to Girls Aloud’s “Sound of the Underground” and was subsequently eliminated from the competition. This marked the fourth time EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal had been in the bottom two, yet she managed to survive once again. However, bookmakers remain skeptical about her chances of winning the show, listing her odds at 200/1.
While many believe Balvinder’s journey will soon come to an end, another contestant, internet sensation George Clarke, has received a significant boost this week.
The 25-year-old is set to make his debut on the Blackpool ballroom floor with a Salsa routine to Bob Sinclar’s “Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now).”
With only six contestants remaining, George is now the favorite to win, with betting odds at 10/11. Actor Lewis Cope is the second favorite with odds of 11/4, followed by former footballer Karen Carney at 4/1.
According to Ladbrokes, every other name is now 10/1 or bigger for the Glitterball Trophy, with Balvinder Sopal propping up the betting at 200/1.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Lewis remains a popular pick with punters, but George is still the one to beat as far as the odds are concerned, with the internet star now being odds-on for the Glitterball Trophy.”
Trailing behind Karen is Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, at 10/1, while West End star Amber Davies lands in second bottom at 28/1, despite topping the Strictly leaderboard with 39 points.
Elsewhere, La Voix and her partner, Aljaz Skorjanec, suffered a devastating blow as she was forced to pull out of the competition due to an injury.
An official BBC statement, read: “Due to injury, La Voix has been advised by doctors to rest and, as a result, will not dance in this weekend’s Blackpool specials.
“In line with the rules of Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix and Aljaz will receive a bye through to next week when it is hoped they will be able to dance again.
“We wish La Voix the very best for a speedy recovery.”