Nigel Harman could be axed from BBC Strictly as worrying new data emerges hours before live show

Nigel Harman could be axed from BBC Strictly as worrying new data emerges hours before live show

WATCH NOW: Nigel Harman speaks out on reaction to 'disappointing' Strictly scores

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 02/12/2023

- 06:00

Updated: 02/12/2023

- 20:26

The Casualty star has managed to avoid the dance-off so far this series

Nigel Harman could be set for the dance-off and even an exit from Strictly Come Dancing altogether, GB News has exclusively learned.

The actor is taking on the Charleston alongside pro partner Katya Jones to Step in Time from Mary Poppins and will be hoping he has what it takes to avoid the dreaded bottom two for the first time.


Harman has had the backing of the public throughout the series - even after he sparked concern with his reaction to Craig Revel Horwood's critique a few weeks back.

But it's emerged that public support may not be enough to see him through to the semis as he faces stern opposition from Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and Annabel Croft.

Harman is the favourite to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing in the quarter-finals, although it looks like it could be a close call with one of his fellow stars.

Delving into the odds and data, Head of News for BettingSites.co.uk, Lee Astley, told GB News: "Ellie Leach's odds continue to shorten up as it looks a formality that she will win, given her impressive scoring week in and week out and blossoming romance with her dance partner.

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones have avoided the dance-off so far this series

BBC

"Annabel was the big market mover this week from 14/1 to 6/1. The ex-tennis pro now appears to be the most viable alternative to Ellie in the betting.

"Both boys, Nigel and Bobby appear to be the likeliest to be on the chopping block this week."

Harman has been priced as an 11/8 favourite to lose his spot in the competition while punters can fetch 6/4 odds on Brazier being the unfortunate celeb to be sent home.

While Harman hasn't experienced the turmoil of the dance-off yet, Brazier had to overcome Angela Rippon a few weeks ago when he landed in the bottom two - a result that left pro Kai Widdrington in tears.

Elsewhere in the market, bookies think the likes of Croft, Williams and Leach should be safe from a quarter-final exit.

Former Tennis pro Croft and actor Williams are both outsiders for the chop at 5/1 apiece while Leach's spot in the semis is all but confirmed according to her 100/1 odds.

Being priced as the frontrunner even led to Leach addressing her odds during an It Takes Two interview earlier this week.

As if the elimination odds weren't enough of a blow to Harman, it's also been confirmed he's the least likely to win the series as a whole.

Harman's 25/1 odds to lift the Glitterball make him the longest shot remaining in the competition ahead of Saturday's show.

Nigel Harman

Nigel Harman's odds for elimination don't look good for the actor

BBC

However, Harman may be able to take some comfort in the fact a number of Strictly fans think it's a different star who's at a disadvantage this weekend.

Several viewers have slammed the BBC show for one song and dance combination in particular and fear it may hinder the celeb's chances.

That celebrity is Brazier who'll be taking on the Salsa alongside Dianne Buswell to (I've Had) The Time Of My Life from Dirty Dancing.

The routine has come under fire before they've even stepped on the dance floor with fans branding the song "overused" and complaining it isn't technically from a musical.

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