Dani Dyer is already favourite to win when the competition returns to BBC One – but two stars have been put firmly in the bottom two already.
Strictly Come Dancing’s 2026 stars have been ranked by the bookies(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston/Artwork – BBC Creative)
Strictly Come Dancing fans have crowned a clear winner before the show has even begun.
Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer has been tipped to run away with Strictly’s glitterball trophy. Bookies make the mum of three, 30, the 4-1 favourite to win the show.
She comes ahead of of Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, 34, and Olympian and soon-to-be Gladiators star Tabby Stoecker, 25, both of whom are at 6-1.
However, it’s not such good news for celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and ex-footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, who have been dumped bottom of the betting.
Dani, daughter of Rivals star Danny, was forced to pull out of last year’s competition after falling and fracturing her ankle during rehearsals with pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Coral’s John Hill said: “After picking up an unfortunate injury last year, Dani Dyer is getting a second shot at Strictly, and many punters believe she will take full advantage of that.
“Dyer tops the betting to lift the Glitterball Trophy, with Lawrence Robb and Tabby Stoecker expected to be her strongest rivals, according to the odds.”
The trio are followed in the betting by Love Island’s Cach Mercer, 25, singer Delta Goodrem, 41, Big Brother host Will Best, 41, and EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38.
In the middle of the pack are House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia, who has odds of 14-1, actress Jamie Winstone at 16-1, The Dogfather star Graeme Hall and football YouTuber John Nellis at 16-1.
Behind them are Gavin and Stacey’s Melanie Walters at 18-1 and Paralympian Sarah Storey at 20-1.
Hairdresser Chris Appleton, 43, and ex-footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, are considered the least likely to win this year’s Strictly, each with odds of 33-1.
The Strictly launch show is at 7.25pm on Saturday 26 September and will be the first time we see the three new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe in action.
The series will open with a performance from the entire Strictly cast, including five new dance pros who are making their entrance on the dancefloor this year.
Reigning champion, footballer Karen Carney, will also be there for a performance, as will judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
