We are heading into late November and for Strictly Come Dancing fans that means one thing; the Blackpool specials. Our betting experts are looking at which couple will be set for a seaside farewell as the action descends on one of Britain’s most iconic ballrooms. And it looks certain that it will not be RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix after it has been confirmed that they will miss this week with injury, meaning that they are granted a free pass to week 10.
Strictly Odds Next Elimination: Sopal Again Favourite After Surviving Fourth Dance Off
Whatever your thoughts on her ballroom credentials, you have to acknowledge that Balvinder Sopal is a good competitor who can perform when the chips are down. Week 9 saw her favourite for the chop yet again, saw her in the dance-off yet again and saw her survive yet again as Vicky Pattison surprisingly crashed out.
After correctly highlighting Harry Aikines-Aryeetey as a better value bet than Sopal in Week 7, we again suggested that there was value to be found elsewhere. But we were barking up the wrong tree with La Voix, who produced a superb performance and had considered Pattison (priced at 20/1) unlikely to leave.
With La Voix missing out with injury and, according to the rules of the competition, receiving a free pass through to the following week, Sopal is in the familiar position of being favourite to be eliminated. Check out the odds from the UK's best bookmakers.
| Celebrity | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Balvinder Sopal | 1/3 | Parimatch |
| Amber Davies | 8/1 | bet365 |
| Alex Kingston | 10/1 | BetMGM |
| Karen Carney | 12/1 | William Hill |
| George Clarke | 33/1 | BetMGM |
| Lewis Cope | 50/1 | BetVictor |
Odds correct at 08:30 on 20/11/2025. Odds subject to change.
Balvinder Battling Against the Odds at Blackpool
After coming through four dance-offs, you cannot completely write Balvinder Sopal off. However, given the quality of her competitors it is difficult to make a case for her surviving unless a rival hugely underperforms or there is some form of public backlash. Sopal would have been favourite to go anyway, however, the injury sustained by La Voix means that another realistic candidate for elimination has been removed from the mix. We predict Sopal’s run will end, due to the level of the other contestants rather than her shortcomings. The odds are not attractive, so, if you are looking for a long-shot, we would point you in the direction of Alex Kingston.
We have tipped Kingston to be an outside contender to win the series. However, she has had a couple of hiccups in recent weeks, and we feel that Blackpool could be a pivotal week for her. A poor performance could easily see her in the dance-off, and her odds of 10/1 are tempting for a speculative punt. The only other realistic option is Amber Davies. The former West End star’s inclusion in the show was criticised by some of the viewing public due to her dance background. And should she perform below par, she may not have as much support as some when it comes to votes.
George Clarke remains favourite to win the series ahead of Lewis Cope, with the much-improved Karen Carney third in the betting. Check out our guide to wagering on Strictly for more details.
No Expiry Date
