THE Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball is all but in the bag for one contestant – according to the latest odds.
For the first time in the show’s history, bookmaker Betfred has a finalist at 1/20 with a 95 per cent probability of winning.
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It seems that the trophy is blind contestant Chris McCausland’s to lose just hours ahead of the series showpiece.
Betfred’s Kayley Cornelius said: “The Glitterball trophy feels within reach for comedian Chris McCausland. With odds of 1/20 to win this weekend, he stands as the bookmakers’ strongest favourite in the competition’s history, boasting a massive 95% chance of victory.
“Yet, while Chris’s win seems almost certain, the battle for second place is far less clear.
“Former JLS star JB Gill has staged a remarkable comeback. Once tipped for elimination last week, he’s now expected to take the runner-up spot, surging ahead in the betting markets at 1/16.
“This shift spells trouble for Sarah Hadland, who had held onto second place but has now tumbled to odds of 25/1. Even so, she’s still projected to secure a place in the Top 3.
“For Tasha Ghouri, it’s been a significant setback. Previously the favourite to win, her chances of even finishing in the Top 3 now look slim, with her odds drifting to 33/1.”
No one is more surprised by Chris’s success than the man himself.
The 47-year-old comic wasn’t familiar with the BBC programme at all before signing up.
Speaking to a press conference ahead of the final, he revealed: “Strictly just wasn’t on my radar. The first time I heard the theme tune was in episode one.
“I didn’t watch the show, obviously. I had no emotional connections to it whatsoever. It was other people telling me they thought I should really give this some consideration.
“I’ve really come to appreciate how it matters to people, how it lifts their mood, how it helps people overcome their own issues.
“It’s some people’s football, in a way. I appreciate that now.”
Tonight, Scouser Chris will perform to Liverpool Football Club anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry And The Pacemakers.
He added: “I wouldn’t want to get rid of football. People love it.
“I now appreciate that people love Strictly in the same way. It matters to people.
“When Wynne Evans went out, he said, ‘Look after it for generations to come’. That was a beautiful sentiment and I don’t think I can top that.”
In the semi-final, his waltz with partner Dianne Buswell, 35, to Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters won them four nines — their highest score yet.
