Shaun Wright-Phillips is the favourite to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, according to exclusive betting odds from Betway. The former footballer faces a 5/6 probability of departure in the show's first elimination, which takes place on Sunday evening.
Sarah Storey follows closely at 2/1, with Melanie Walters at 5/1. Other contenders 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 victory
In contrast, Lacey Turner is predicted to win the 2026 series, edging out Dani Dyer for the Glitterball trophy. Lacey's odds of winning are 5/2, while Dani's are 11/2, reports the Daily Star. John Nellis is another potential champion, with odds of 3/1.
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."
Mixed judge feedback
Last weekend, the celebrities performed for the first time before the judging panel. When Shaun and Alexis Warr danced, they received a mixed response. While Emma Willis appeared impressed, Motsi Mabuse offered a contrasting opinion.
Motsi told the pair: "Shaun, if there was ever a time in life to be shy, it's not today. 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."
"But this is dancing, and the joy you're feeling, and I'm sure there's a joy in there. We want to feel it with you. Share it with us. It's kept all inside. I would say use this. Fake it till we make it. If you are not feeling it, it doesn't matter. Fake it. But it's like put it on the dance floor."
Shirley Ballas then added: "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."
"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."
"You had some good choreography in there, along with your tricks and flicks and everything else that you do. You have promise, darling. You work on your personality, but keep that footwork for me."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
