Actress Balvinder Sopal’s odds of being the next celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing have soared ahead of tonight’s Blackpool Week.
Ms Sopal’s odds hadn’t been looking promising, but La Voix pulling out of Blackpool Week due to an injury has seen bookies’ odds slimming further.
Meanwhile, former Lioness Karen Carney’s odds of being crowned winner have increased from 9/1 to 9/2 since last weekend’s show, according to Grosvenor Sport.
The shift places her third in the winner predictions behind George Clarke, who has odds of 3/4 and Lewis Cope, who stands at 11/4.
BBC Strictly: The update has come as a fresh blow to Balvinder Sopal
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BBC
Before La Voix withdrew from this week’s show in Blackpool, EastEnders star Sopal was placed at 3/5 to be the next star eliminated, but since the former RuPaul’s Drag Race star had to pull out with injury, she’s moved into 1/7.
Mecca Bingo’s Simon Kew commented: “Balvinder Sopal’s position as the favourite to be eliminated next has strengthened, with her odds shortened significantly to 1/7 from 3/5 last week.
“She has been the favourite to be eliminated for the last four weeks, but punters are more convinced than ever that her journey could come to an end this weekend, and she remains our firm favourite to be eliminated next.
“With La Voix’s absence from this weekend’s show, Amber Davies has emerged as the clear second favourite to leave, drifting to 11/2, suggesting that confidence in her long-term survival is weakening.
“Meanwhile, Alex Kingston (10/1) and Karen Carney (12/1) remain hovering in that mid-danger zone, though neither has seen dramatic movement.”
“One notable mover is George Clarke, whose elimination odds have ballooned out from 100/1 to 33/1, alongside Lewis Cope at 50/1, signalling that punters believe both are safe heading into this weekend – but not as safe as last weekend.”
Last week, Vicki Pattison was the one to wave goodbye to the dancefloor along with partner Kai Widdrington.
Strictly Come Dancing judges Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas left viewers split down the middle on Sunday’s show, with some fans of the BBC series left furious.
The results show saw the panel having to choose between Ms Pattison and Ms Sopal, who received the fewest votes and faced the dreaded dance-off.
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Both celebrities finished bottom of the leaderboard for week eight, despite both couples achieving a respectable score of 27 from the judges.
Ms Pattison had performed a jive with Mr Widdrington to Sound of The Underground by Girls Aloud, while Ms Sopal and partner Julian Caillon danced an American Smooth to My Guy by Mary Wells.
Following the dance-off, the panel were unanimous in their decision to save the soap star, with each of them noting how Ms Pattison had made several mistakes while Ms Sopal had improved on her performance from Saturday night.
Viewers were left divided over the result, with many baffled to see Ms Pattison eliminated after one dance-off, while Ms Sopal has now survived being in the bottom two four times.
Many took to social media to debate the outcome, with one writing: “Aww Vicky you were great, wrong decision again #Strictly.”
BBC Strictly: Balvinder Sopal could be at risk again this weekend
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BBCOthers agreed with the judges though, with one posting: “It was the correct result, Balvinder danced better, simple as that #Strictly.”
“Glad Balvinder saved. She definitely improved in the dance off #Strictly,” another agreed.
A different fan commented: “Bal absolutely locked in and smashed that dance off, the correct decision as poor Vicky was clearly nervous and out of sync.
“I’m very happy and very sad at the same time though. Blackpool week won’t be the same without her. #Strictly.” (sic)