Adam Thomas dealt huge Strictly blow as new data emerges just hours before Week Two routine

In fact, heading into week two, only three other celebrities finished below Thomas on the leaderboard - Zara McDermott, Nikita Kanda and Les Dennis.

The 35-year-old is determined to retain his spot in the contest and will perform a Tango during the second show of the series.

However, following his underwhelming start to life in the ballroom, Thomas has suffered a huge blow to his chances of lifting the Glitterball Trophy according to bookmakers.

Not only have his odds "increased massively" according to Gambling.com's James Leyfield, but he's also been tipped by the expert to be worth a punt for the first elimination of the series.

Speaking of the new data and shifts in the markets, Leyfield told GB News: "Les is still propping up the Strictly market on betting apps at a massive 150/1 and he is just 15/8 to be the first star eliminated.

"However, Nikita may well keep him in the competition by going instead.

"She is 100/1 to win this year's series and the 11/8 favourite to be the first of the celebrities off the dancefloor.

"Paralympian cyclist and swimmer Jody Cundy remains 66/1 to win the Glitterball Trophy, and he is 7/1 fourth-favourite to go first, with Zara McDermott next on the list at 9/1.

"The former Love Islander is out to 28/1 to win the show from 25/1," he added before turning his attention to Thomas. "Meanwhile, Adam Thomas' odds have increased massively this week to 50/1.

"He is a big 14/1 outsider to go first. The former Emmerdale star may well have the soap fan support to rely on to keep him in the competition until at least week two, but it might be worth a go given his odds for Glitterball glory," Leyfield tipped.

However, Thomas is also joined by the likes of Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the group of outsiders who could cause an upset this weekend.

Leyfield said: "The same could be said about the 4/1 price for Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy to be sent packing first.

"He is a massive 80/1 to win the contest, yet he seems a backable price in the first elimination market.”

Thomas' chances won't have been helped by the fact he had to miss a day's training this week.

Taking to Instagram, Thomas revealed he'd been filming the BBC series Waterloo Road instead, typing on his Stories: "Missing a days training today... but it's all worth it. Work is work! Let's go Donte!!!"

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However, he's not the only Strictly star dealt an obstacle this week, with McDermott unveiling a horrific injury from rehearsals and Angela Rippon also having to return to her "day job" amid a demanding schedule.

Strictly has also found itself at the centre of a huge favouritism row regarding the dances allocated to each couple.

Eagle-eyed fans have spotted Amanda Abbington and Nigel Harman were given a dance no other contestant had in week one and the trend has replicated itself in week two.

It's led some Strictly fans to accuse producers of giving the pair preferential treatment in order for them to stand out from their competitors.

The BBC declined to comment when approached by GB News about the fans' claims, however.