Strictly Come Dancing fans are predicting that Jaime Winstone will be eliminated this weekend, with bookmakers making her the odds-on favourite to leave the competition before next week's Blackpool special.
The actress, 41, returns to the dance floor for Week 8 after an injury forced her to miss Week 7 with a medical bye. Although doctors have cleared her to compete, her Charleston must be performed without any lifts.
Fans predict exit after injury return
Following Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu's departure last Sunday, nine couples remain in the competition. A spot in the annual Blackpool Tower Ballroom special is at stake, but some BBC viewers believe it could be the end of the road for Winstone.
Posting on a Strictly Reddit forum, one fan wrote: "In the nicest way possible, Jaime's Charleston will most likely be her last. I know she had a bit of a tough time last week due to injury but the positive is she is back to perform this weekend all being well. Jaime has said they had to rectify the choreography so that doesn't impact her injury any further. Given the benefit of the doubt, Cach's Charleston will fare better than Jaime's and I think out of respect it is probably best that Jaime goes home this week so that her injury will properly heal."
Bookmakers' odds and fan reactions
One person replied: "Sadly I do think she will be and I think she will be up against John/Graeme/Will." Another agreed: "I think she's almost certainly in the dance off because she doesn't seem to be picking up public votes, but if she's not too hampered she could get through there because she's a decent dancer."
Others are puzzled that Winstone is performing such an energetic routine despite her recent injury. One fan said: "I wish they have given her a Waltz this week instead... I hope Jaime is able to hang on for 1 more week and that Graeme goes this week... I overall think Jaime is a better dancer than Graeme, Will, & John and it's upsetting people aren't supporting her.." Another viewer wrote: "Totally agree. I'd love her to hang on for a few more weeks. I really enjoy watching her dance, and think she has a fab personality." Someone else added: "Getting a Charleston after/with an injury is weird."
Major UK bookies currently have Winstone priced as the odds-on favourite to depart ahead of Blackpool Week, largely due to concerns over her returning from injury with restricted choreography after missing last weekend. Her odds are currently at 10/11, followed by Graeme Hall (9/4), John Nellis (7/1) and Cach Mercer (15/2).
Week 8 show details
Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens on Saturday 14th November at 6:25pm. Viewers can watch the Week 8 live show on BBC One or stream it via BBC iPlayer.
