Former JLS singer favourite with bookies and bettors alike to take the ballroom dancing crown
JLS are no strangers to the show, with JB Gill winning the Christmas special in 2012. After the first show aired last night, Merrygold’s odds to win the 15th series has shortened amongst a flurry of bets from the public. You can now get a best-priced 3/1, with Mollie King of The Saturdays appearing to be the nearest challenger at 7/2 second-favourite.
Merrygold has received 15% of all bets on the winners market, the most of any contestant. He also received 20% of all to win bets placed in the last 48 hours. Johnnie Peacock is the next best-backed celebrity, and the Paralympic athlete is fifth favourite at 10/1 to win. The fact that six celebrities have received 8-15% of total winner bets show that although bookies and bettors currently agree on Merrygold, this can quickly change.
Richard Coles, who was backed well earlier on in the week, has had enthusiasm on him cooled slightly, as only 1% of bettors have plumped for the Reverend in the last two days. He is one of the outsiders, priced at 40/1.
The first eliminationmarket sees Sunday Brunch star Simon Rimmer favourite for the chop at 3/1. However, Debbie McGee is popular with the bettors, with 20% backing her for an early exit. She is a big price at 20/1 to become the first celebrity to leave the series.
