Strictly Odds 2022: All the odds and tips as the iconic BBC ballroom returns for it's 20th series
The glitz and the glamour of the Strictly ballroom returns for its 20th series! As usual, celebrities will pair up with the professional dance partners, in a bid to win over the hearts and minds of the British public, as well as the iconic Strictly judges.
The celebrities spend weeks building up to the opening night, ensuring there are little to no slip ups, as they look to progress through the competition in a quest to win the coveted glitter-ball trophy.
With the show starting towards the end of September, live every Saturday night on BBC One, we’ve looked at the odds after the full list of contestants was announced. We’ve picked out a potential winner, an outsider to keep an eye on, and someone we really really hope brings the entertainment factor.
Previous winners
2021: Rose Ayling-Ells (Soap star)
2020: Bill Bailey (Comedian)
2019: Kelvin Fletcher (Soap star)
2018: Stacey Dooley (Presenter/Journalist)
2017: Joe McFadden (Actor)
2016: Ore Oduba (Presenter)
2015: Jay McGuiness (Singer)
2014: Caroline Flack (Presenter)
2013: Abbey Clancy (Model)
2012: Louis Smith (Gymnast)
Looking back over the last 10 years, it’s clear to see that TV stars have the advantage when it comes to winners. With six of the last 10 winners involved in TV production frequently in some form, does that bode well for this year’s contestants? With seven of this year’s celebrities boasting some form of regular TV role, be it presenting or acting, they will potentially feel confident in our chances.
The Odds
There are two clear favourites as far as the early odds are concerned, and they come in the form of singer Fleur East, and Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton.
After making her mark on the X Factor, and then moving on to I’m A Celebrity, East is continuing her tour of the UK’s favourite reality shows.
Skelton has performed a number of gruelling tasks over the years, with plenty in aid of Sport Relief and Comic Relief, and will be no stranger to the hard work that is sure to be at hand.
Our winner
Molly Rainford: 10/1 with BoyleSports
As one of the youngest contestants in Strictly history, we think the advantage may be on Rainford’s side when it comes to this year’s ballroom bonanza. Previous contestants at the start of their 20s on Strictly have included the likes of HRVY, Matt Di Angelo, Christopher Parker and Maisie Smith, who have all reached the final, only to finish second.
No stranger to dance rehearsals due to her role as Nova Jones on the CBBC show, she should be confident of making a strong start in the competition, and at least moving into the later stages.
At a best price of 10/1 with BoyleSports, this looks like a nice price to back, compared to other previously mentioned contestants, who are currently a lot shorter to win.
Outsider
Ellie Taylor: 14/1 with Bet365
Hot off the success of fellow comedian Bill Bailey’s Strictly adventure two years ago, Ellie Taylor is one of the latest of a long line of professional funny people to grace the BBC dance floor. There has been some success when it comes to comedians on Strictly, not least the aforementioned Bailey.
Chris Ramsey tangoed his way to a respectable fourth place in Series 17, with Julian Clary finishing in third, all the way back in Season 2! At a best price of 14/1 with 365 and BetVictor, keep an eye out for Taylor as the weeks progress.
Entertainment Value/Longshot
Tony Alexander Adams MBE (40/1)
Need we say any more?
