Daniel and Kristina backed to be axed from Strictly first

Bookmaker Coral has been forced to slash Daniel O’Donnell’s odds to 6-1 from 12-1 to be the first contestant booted off Strictly Come Dancing following a surge of bets this week. Iwan Thomas is however the favourite to receive his marching orders first at odds of 11-4, while Carol Kirkwood and Jeremy Vine are next best at 3-1 and 9-2 respectively.

Betting on who will win the Glitter Ball trophy is also hotting up, with Kirsty Gallacher and Jamelia attracting most of the money despite scoring low for their first performances. They  are now priced at 16-1 and 22-1 respectively to land the spoils, but Peter Andre remains the hot favourite at 15-8.

“We are not sure if punters backing Daniel O’Donnell to go because of his dancing skills or because his partner Kristina Rihanoff is unpopular with the public. Either way, he is the celebrity that has attracted the most money in the elimination betting,” said Coral’s Nicola McGeady.

“On the other hand, we have been taken aback by the support pouring in for Kirsty Gallacher and Jamelia. Neither stars impressed us on the dance floor, but that clearly hasn’t deterred punters who obviously feel they will improve as the show goes on,” added McGeady.

**First Elimination

11-4 Iwan Thomas. 3-1 Carol Kirkwood, 9-2 Jeremy Vine, 6-1 Daniel O’Donnell, 8-1 Ainsley Harriott, 14-1 Anthony Ogogo, 16-1 Kirsty Gallacher, 22-1 Jamelia, 25-1 Kellie Bright. 40-1 bar

**Winner

15-8 Peter Andre, 5-1 Helen George, 6-1 Jay McGuines, 8-1 Georgia May Foote, 9-1 Katie Derham, 10-1 Anita Rani, 14-1 Kirsty Gallacher, 20-1 Kellie Bright, 20-1 Jamelia, 25-1 bar