Bobby Brazier could be heading for another Strictly Come Dancing dance-off after his odds of elimination plunged following last weekend's bottom-two scare. The 20-year-old EastEnders actor, partnered with Dianne Bussell, was saved by the judges at Blackpool, sending Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington home instead.
Bookmakers now make Brazier, along with Angela Scanlon, the most likely celebrity to face the dance-off this weekend. William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: "We’re very much in the business end of proceedings in this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing, with Angela Scanlon our favourite to depart." He added: "Annabel Croft will likewise have to put in a serious performance to secure her path to the final five."
The latest odds have seen Scanlon's winning chances slip to 20/1 and Brazier's to 16/1, while Annabel Croft has shortened to 12/1. That leaves Brazier and Scanlon as the most probable pairing for Saturday's dance-off, according to betting markets.
Even if Brazier avoids elimination this weekend, experts predict he may struggle to progress further. The top three contestants — Ellie Leach, Layton Williams and Nigel Harman — remain strong favourites with odds of 2/9, 8/1 and 10/1 respectively.
However, some believe the near-miss could focus Brazier's mind. Dr Jill Rose Jacobs, a Strictly expert and professor of dance for Heart Bingo, said: "Like many, I questioned how Bobby found himself in this week’s dance-off. Did viewers vote with Bobby’s lacked-lustre performance from week eight in mind?" She added: "Hopefully, what happens in Blackpool stays in Blackpool – for Bobby’s sake."
Dr Jill predicted Brazier will now be more motivated, saying: "Winning the Glitterball Trophy will require skill, showmanship, passion, luck, and the ability to channel these into dance performance."
