The glitterball trophy is now tantalisingly close as Strictly Come Dancing enters its high-stakes quarter-final this weekend. The final five celebrity and professional pairings will take to the famous Elstree floor for the always spectacular Musicals Week, each hoping their performance to a West End show tune will secure a coveted place in the semi-finals.
Bookmakers Tip Amber Davies for an Early Curtain Call
However, the pressure is mounting, and according to the latest odds, one couple's journey could end on Saturday night. Amber Davies and Balvinder Sopal are the two celebrities leading the betting to be eliminated. Bookmaker Betway places former EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal as the frontrunner to depart with odds of 250/1, with Amber Davies not far behind at 33/1.
This places a fresh blow on Amber, who has fought hard to climb the leaderboard week after week. The competition is now so fierce that any of the remaining dancers could find themselves in the dreaded dance-off, regardless of their previous scores.
The 'Curse' of the Supportive Friend
Meanwhile, another contestant has been issued an unusual warning. Series favourite George Clarke, the 26-year-old YouTuber, has been told he might face a potential 'curse'. His friend and podcast co-host, TikTok sensation Max Balegde, revealed on their show, The Useless Hotline, that he attended the Blackpool live show earlier in the series, which coincided with the elimination of dancer Dianne Buswell and her partner.
Max disclosed he will be in the audience to support George during this weekend's Musicals Week quarter-final, joking about a self-fulfilling 'prophecy'. A concerned George was heard frantically telling his friend, "never turn up," highlighting the superstitious nerves running high as the final approaches.
A Dramatic Fight for Survival
The tension is palpable following last week's dramatic exit, which saw actress Alex Kingston leave the competition after a dance-off against Balvinder Sopal. Balvinder, partnered with Julian Caillon, has remarkably survived the dance-off a staggering five times this series, earning a reputation as the competition's ultimate survivor.
Many are now wondering if Musicals Week will finally be her last, or if she can defy the odds once more. With the semi-finals within touching distance, every step, spin, and lift in this weekend's theatrical performances will be more critical than ever. The race for the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing glitterball is entering its most dramatic phase yet.
