A supercomputer has analysed more than two decades of historical data to forecast the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2026, naming House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia as the most likely champion.
The computer examined the most common occupations of past winners, finding that actors have won nine of the 23 series, followed by presenters and journalists (eight), and athletes (five). It also looked at birthplace, star signs and first-name initials, noting that names beginning with C, K and J are most common among champions.
Key factors behind the prediction
Pisces and Capricorn are the most frequently winning star signs, while the most likely winning age is late 30s or late 20s. Bethany Antonia scored eight points in the analysis, fitting several brackets: she is an actress, born on a Thursday – the third most common winning day – and her star sign is Capricorn.
Odds and fan favourites
The computer gives Antonia 3/2 odds of winning, while Dani Dyer, Cach Mercer, Tabby Stoecker and Will Best are joint second at 11/2. Fan favourites Lacey Turner and Lawrence Robb trail at 19/1, with just a 5% chance of winning.
Dog trainer Graeme Hall has the worst odds at 99/1, with a 1% chance of winning, followed by Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, both at 49/1.
