Strictly Come Dancing 2026 airs its first live show on Saturday evening, but betting firms have dealt a crushing blow to one star's hopes of lifting the Glitterball Trophy.
Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystal, has suffered a setback as he could fall short of winning the competition, according to bookmakers.
Dani Dyer remains favourite
Dani Dyer remains the 10/3 favourite with Betway to claim the Glitterball Trophy. Both Lawrence Robb (5/1 from 7/1) and John Nellis (9/1 from 16/1) have attracted significant backing following Saturday's launch show, but former Love Islander Dani Dyer continues to lead Betway's outright market.
Lewis Knowles, Betway's spokesperson, said: "Youtuber John Nellis has been by far the best backed contestant following Saturday's launch show, nearly halving in price to 9/1 (from 16/1) to win this year's Glitterball Trophy.
"Lawrence Robb is another we've seen good support for, but Dani Dyer remains strong in the market as our 10/3 favourite, and the former Love Islander will be hoping for more luck this time around after having to withdraw from last year's competition due to injury."
Shaun Wright-Phillips outsider
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Shaun Wright-Phillips could face elimination from the competition first. They added: "Sports people have an outstanding record in Strictly Come Dancing over the years, so Olympian Tabby Stoecker will certainly be one to watch, but expectations for football legend Shaun Wright-Phillips are seemingly low, with the former England international the outsider of the field at 40/1."
Last week, audiences tuned in to watch the Strictly Come Dancing launch, where the celebrities were paired with their dance partners. During the launch show, Lawrence was asked about his predecessors on Emmerdale who had competed on Strictly. He said: "They are very big shoes to fill. I guess I can empathise with you guys, filling Claudia and Tess' place."
When discussing his training, the soap star added: "It was amazing. Honestly, now I am chomping at the bit to get down and do it. Watching the girls do it makes you feel like, 'I just wanna do it now'."
First elimination next weekend
Next weekend, the celebrities, including Lawrence, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Story, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Graeme Hall, will all face elimination as the first contestant departs the series.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
