Shaun Wright-Phillips has received devastating news just hours before Strictly Come Dancing's first elimination of the 2026 series. The former footballer is the 5/6 favourite to leave the competition on Sunday night, according to exclusive odds from Betway.
Sarah Storey follows closely at 2/1, with Melanie Walters at 5/1. Other celebrities at risk include Chris Appleton at 7/1, Jaime Winstone at 20/1, Will Best at 33/1, and Tabby Stoecker at 40/1.
Lacey Turner tipped for Glitterball triumph
In contrast, Lacey Turner is forecast to win the 2026 series, with odds of 5/2 for victory. Dani Dyer stands at 11/2, while John Nellis is another strong candidate at 3/1, reports the Daily Star.
Betway Spokesperson Lewis Knowles commented: "Dani Dyer was our favourite going into Saturday's first live performances, but it was undoubtedly Lacey Turner's Cha-Cha-Cha that stole the show on the opening weekend."
"The EastEnders star surged to the head of our outright betting at 5/2, and she's seemingly the one to beat in this year's competition."
Judges' mixed verdicts on Wright-Phillips
During last weekend's programme, the celebrity contestants made their debut performances before the judging panel. When Shaun and Alexis Carr took their turn, the judges delivered contrasting assessments of their routine.
While Emma Willis appeared impressed, Motsi Mabuse offered a different perspective, telling the pair: "Shaun, if there was ever a time in life to be shy, it's not today."
She added: "You are so honestly-I mean this-you are so cute doing that because I can see you as a student. You're doing the footwork, you're doing the arms, you're doing everything she tells you. You're looking at the side if you're correct, and you did it all really not bad at all."
Shirley Ballas subsequently said: "I'm not worried too much about the personality. Let me tell you first of all what I was impressed with. You danced a checked forward walk, which is used to change direction, and you changed direction superbly."
She continued: "When you move in rumba or cha cha, one leg should be straight, and one leg should be bent. You swing that bent one underneath the body. You kept them a little bit too straight, but there was so much here to like with the room for improvement."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
