Strictly Come Dancing odds also see George Clarke tighten grip on Glitterball victory…

After narrowly escaping elimination last weekend, EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal has become the bookmakers’ favourite to leave Strictly Come Dancing this week.

According to BetMGM, Sopal is even-money to be the next celebrity voted off, just ahead of drag performer La Voix, who follows at 5/4. The two lead what’s being described as a “two-horse race” for survival, with Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey trailing in the odds at 13/2.

Meanwhile, social media star George Clarke has strengthened his position as the favourite to lift this year’s Glitterball trophy, with BetMGM now making him odds-on at 5/6. He sits comfortably ahead of Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope (9/2) and former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison (11/2).

“She might not be as lucky this weekend”

Dan Towse, Brand Director at BetMGM, said the odds reflect a likely showdown between Sopal and La Voix.

“She might have dodged the exit door last week, but Balvinder Sopal might not be as lucky this weekend as we make her the favourite to be eliminated,” Towse said. “She’s even-money to be voted off on Sunday, with La Voix seemingly her only other rival for the exit door at 5/4.”

Towse added that Clarke appears to be “the one to beat” in the race for the Glitterball trophy.

“In terms of the outright betting, George Clarke looks very much the one to beat now and he’s in fact gone odds-on to lift the trophy,” he said.

Odds snapshot

Next elimination:

Balvinder Sopal – EVS

La Voix – 5/4

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – 13/2

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 12/1

Karen Carney – 20/1

Others – 33/1

Outright winner:

George Clarke – 5/6

Lewis Cope – 9/2

Vicky Pattison – 11/2

Alex Kingston – 10/1

Ellie Goldstein – 10/1

Karen Carney – 16/1

Amber Davies – 18/1

Others – 33/1

With just weeks to go until the Strictly final, Clarke’s consistent performances — and his easy rapport with partner Luba Mushtuk — have seen his popularity rise steadily with both judges and audiences. Sopal, meanwhile, will be hoping to avoid back-to-back dance-offs as she looks to win over voters heading into the crucial Halloween week.