Dani Dyer has emerged as the early favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing 2026, according to the latest odds from Paddy Power. The former Love Island winner is currently priced at 10/3 to lift the Glitterball Trophy, with Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb next at 5/1. Australian singer Delta Goodrem follows at 11/2, while EastEnders star Lacey Turner is 6/1.
Celebrities Prepare for First Live Show
The odds come as the 15 celebrity contestants prepare to take to the ballroom for the first live show of the new series on Saturday night. The celebrities were paired with their professional partners during last weekend's launch show, and have since been putting their dancing skills to the test ahead of their first performances in front of the judges.
Dani will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin, while Lawrence is partnered with Jowita Przystal and Delta will take to the floor with Kai Widdrington.
Judging Panel and Presenters
This year's judging panel sees Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke return, while Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over presenting duties.
There will be no elimination during the first live show, but the celebrities' scores will count towards the competition as the series gets underway. The first live show will also see the hosts, professionals and judges open the show with a group number set to an orchestral version of Joy by Raye.
Launch Show Ratings
A peak of 5.8 million viewers tuned in to the Strictly Come Dancing launch episode on Saturday night, which revealed the pairings for the new series. According to BBC overnight figures, the episode saw 200,000 more viewers at its peak than last year's launch show.
The show was also the first for new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, who replaced long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.
Full Winner Odds
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 winner odds: Dani Dyer – 10/3, Lawrence Robb – 5/1, Delta Goodrem – 11/2, Lacey Turner – 6/1, John Nellis – 8/1, Will Best – 10/1, Tabby Stoecker – 10/1, Cach Mercer – 11/1, Bethany Antonia – 14/1, Jaime Winstone – 17/1, Graeme Hall – 17/1, Melanie Walters – 25/1, Dame Sarah Storey – 30/1, Chris Appleton – 40/1, Shaun Wright-Phillips – 60/1.
The prices are subject to change as the series progresses and are a snapshot of the current betting market. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, with the celebrities taking to the ballroom for their first scored performances.
