As this year’s celebrities prepare for the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2013 on Friday, who has the best chance of taking home the coveted glitter ball trophy?
As this year’s celebrities prepare for the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2013 on Friday, who has the best chance of taking home the coveted glitter ball trophy?
Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec
Kettle odds: 10/1
Model and wife of footballer Peter Crouch, Abbey Clancy is partnered with Strictly newcomer Aljaz Skorjanec. These two are tipped to do well, especially as they are one of the best looking couples in the competition, which normally gives votes a boost. However, Abbey has previously said that her fitness levels are horrendous and that she gets out of breath easily, which doesn’t bode well for the high-energy routines and gruelling training schedules Strictly requires.
Ashley Taylor Dawson and Ola Jordan
Kettle odds: 7/1
Hollyoaks star Ashley Taylor Dawson and former Strictly champion Ola Jordan seem like a perfect pairing. Ola won series 7 with sportsman and presenter Chris Hollins, and Ashley represents her best chance for a return to the Strictly final to date. With a strong work ethic and some previous dance experience in his pop band allSTARS*, Ashley and Ola are a couple to keep an eye on.
Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff
Kettle odds: 8/1
Ben Cohen is a rugby world cup champion, and it seems he has a shot at becoming the Strictly champion as well. Ben is one of the most promising male celebrities on the show this year, and his partner Kristina has had plenty of experience as she is a strictly regular – waltzing into her 6th series.
Dave Myers and Karen Hauer
Kettle odds: 40/1
Following his dramatic 3 stone weight loss on The Hairy Dieters, Dave Myers reportedly joined Strictly to help continue his new fitness regime. Dave has already been labelled as this year’s token comedy contestant, and he said his Strictly ambition is to reach the live show broadcast from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. It looks like Karen has a big job ahead of her!
Deborah Meaden and Robin Windsor
Kettle odds: 40/1
Dragons’ Den investor Deborah Meaden is paired with Robin Windsor, who last year gained an unexpected semi-final placing with actress Lisa Riley. Although she has previously appeared on Let’s Dance for Comic Relief and is one of the most popular contestants, Deborah is still one of the outsiders in this year’s competition.
Fiona Fullerton and Anton du Beke
Kettle odds: 25/1
The former Bond girl Fiona Fullerton continues Strictly veteran Anton du Beke’s run of middle-aged partners. Although not the most hopeless hopeful of the celebrities, Fiona doesn’t give Anton the best stab at getting his hands on the trophy. On the other hand, Fiona has appeared previously on the West End and seemed to do quite well in the group dance in the launch show, so they have the potential to make it to mid-series at least.
Julien McDonald and Janette Manrara
Kettle odds: 20/1
Flamboyant Welsh fashion designer Julien McDonald is partnered with another of the newcomers, So You Think You Can Dance USA finalist Janette Manrara. Julien has been on It Takes Two as the resident fashion expert, so has some knowledge of Strictly, but whether this translates into his dancing is another thing entirely.
Mark Benton and Iveta Lukosiute
Kettle odds: 33/1
Despite having dance experience from his performance in the musical Hairspray, actor Mark Benton has already been branded as this year’s Russell Grant. His partner Iveta Lukosiute first appeared on Strictly last year where she stood in for an injured Aliona Vilani – getting knocked out after her first week.
Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev
Kettle odds: 4/1
Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede is this year’s Kettle favourite. Having been a former student at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Natalie has been a bit of a controversial contestant, with some critics saying she has an unfair advantage. Artem is a previous winner – lifting the trophy alongside actress Kara Tointon in series 8.
Patrick Robinson and Anya Garnis
Kettle odds: 15/1
Casualty star Patrick Robinson looks like one of those contestants that has the potential to either be really good or really bad. His partner Anya is also a bit of an unknown quantity, as she is another of the new professional dancers.
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev
Kettle odds: 10/1
Rachel Riley is the bookies favourite to win the series. The Countdown star is accompanied by two time runner-up Pasha Kovalev, who seems desperate for a long overdue win. Rachel says she is clumsy and that she had never danced before, but is this a front to throw the others off her tail?
Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton
Kettle odds: 12/1
Broadcaster Susanna Reid returns to Strictly after her win on the 2011 Children in Need special with Robin Windsor. This time she is partnered with newbie Kevin Clifton, and this pair are one to watch.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Brendan Cole
Kettle odds: 5/1
Singer and model Sophie Ellis-Bextor is partnered with Brendan Cole, who is one of the longest serving professionals and who has gained a reputation of being a taskmaster. Brendan was the winner of the first series alongside TV presenter Natasha Kaplinsky, but hasn’t had a win since, despite coming close in 2008 with Lisa Snowdon.
Tony Jacklin and Aliona Vilani
Kettle odds: 50/1
The oldest contestant in this year’s line-up is golfer Tony Jacklin, who is the outsider of the competition. He was originally going to be paired with Natalie Lowe before she had to pull out due to injury, so has been partnered with former champion Aliona Vilani, who won series 9 with Mcfly drummer Harry Judd.
Vanessa Feltz and James Jordan
Kettle odds: 40/1
Everybody thought that larger-than-life TV presenter and broadcaster Vanessa Feltz would be partnered with Anton du Beke, but instead she will dance alongside James Jordan. Vanessa appeared on Let’s Dance for Comic Relief earlier this year, but still says she doesn’t know how to dance. Even if their dancing isn’t brilliant, this pairing is guaranteed to be a lot of fun.
