If you’re the kind of Strictly Come Dancing fan who also likes to put his money where his or her mouth is – then maybe Russell Grant is going to be this series’ dark horse.
The diminutive astrologer’s popularity is clearly growing by the week and The BBC appears to have latched onto this – saving Russell’s dances for the top slot it would seem. Those looking at the Strictly Come Dancing betting should remember this.
Of course, no-one in their right mind would suggest that Russell is the best dancer – and the last person to do so would be the man himself. But that’s what the audience loves. Does anyone remember Series 3 winners Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova’s steady progress through the field back in 2005?
Darren was given very little chance by the bookies but the UK public gradually warmed to the Yorkshire cricketer’s honesty and, above all, his hard work to steadily improve his dancing. He was never going to be the world’s best ballroom dancer. He knew it and we all did at home. But no-one worked harder for the prize and so it was rightfully his. That’s what Strictly is really all about.
So if the eventual winner really is an entertaining trier, then Russell Grant has to be this season’s value bet. His odds are still as high as 25-1 with some major bookmakers. Even Ann Widdecombe and her dancing partner Anton du Beke managed a respectable sixth place in Series 8 – the series eventually won by EastEnders actress Kara Tointon and her partner Artem Chigvintsev – so anything can happen! The Strictly Come dancing winner odds reflect this.
If they are to win, then Russell and Flavia will have to overcome five couples currently at shorter odds. At the moment, Harry Judd and Aliona are the bookmakers’ favourites with best odds available of around 7/4, followed closely by Jason Donovan and Kristina at 11/4.
But Russell’s 25-1 odds look sorely tempting.
