Mollie Pearce’s chances of being crowned this year's Dancing on Ice champion have been hindered as new data has emerged that has seen Michaela Strachan overtake her in the market.
Pearce will debut on the ice this weekend alongside her partner Colin Grafton as the remaining five contestants show off their training.
However, it seems Pearce’s odds at winning the competition may already be out of reach as Strachan’s performance on Saturday night has left her soaring with bookies.
According to BETMGM, Strachan is now the 5/2 favourite and soared up the betting odds board after beginning the competition at 10/1.
Coronation Street’s Sam Aston is 4/1 from 9/2 while the pre-show favourite, Pearce, has drifted down in the market from 7/2 out to 9/2.
UK Director at BetMGM, Sam Behar, commented on the blow to Pearce's hopes, explaining: “Michaela Strachan wasn’t seen as a contender in the early betting for Dancing on Ice but her first performance has really caught the attention of punters.
Mollie and Colin will take to the ice this weekend
ITV
“She’s moved into 5/2 favourite, having been as big as 10/1 just a few days ago, but it’s very early days and there are plenty who look like contenders.”
Pearce isn’t the only one who needs to be threatened by Strachan’s performance from Sunday night as it's also added to Sir Steve Redgrave's woes.
The retired rower began the series priced at 50/1 when the market opened, but after the first round of performances, he now sits at 100/1 according to BetFred.
Redgrave is one of the current frontrunners to face the first elimination this Sunday, which will not include a skate-off.
Michaela wowed with her first performance on Sunday night
ITV
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Pearce has opened up about her “invisible” health battle ahead of her time on the show and explained how her stoma bag hasn’t been an issue.
Pearce had her colon removed in October 2020 and lives with her stoma bag – which she affectionately named Sid – wanting to show that her disability doesn’t stop her from doing new things.
When discussing whether the bag had caused an issue or got in the way during their training, she admitted: “It'snot been much of an issue for us.
“I think there are some lifts we’ve talked about and Colin always checks it is okay, but as long as my bag isn't too full then it’s not a problem and it's not stopped us doing anything.
“We forget about it a lot of the time. I think it's amazing for other people to see someone on TV with a stoma bag."
Last year, viewers saw DJ Adele Roberts take to the rink, the first contestant to compete on the show with a stoma bag.
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The star underwent colostomy surgery following her cancer diagnosis in 2021 and has since been living with a stoma bag.
"I know how much I loved to see Adele on the show so it's really nice," Pearce said.
