There’s already a hot favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing

Tasha Ghouri is the hot favourite to lift the Glitterball trophy as Strictly Come Dancing gears up for its 20th series.

The former Love Island star has been revealed as the 5/2 favourite by BoyleSports, and punters are already backing her to waltz her way to victory.

With fifteen celebrities set to hit the dancefloor on 7th September, Tasha is already stealing the spotlight, aiming to follow in the footsteps of EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who made history as the first deaf contestant to win the show in 2021.

But Tasha’s path to the Glitterball won’t be without competition. Jamie Borthwick, known for his role on EastEnders, is also a strong contender at 9/2, sharing the second spot with former Olympian Sam Quek.

BBC bosses have spiced up the cast with three Olympians this year, with Sam, a gold medallist from Rio, seen as the strongest bet among the sporting trio. Swimmer Tom Dean and ex-Team GB sprinter Montell Douglas are both at 10/1, looking to bring their athletic grace to the dancefloor.

Meanwhile, Nick Knowles, famous for his DIY shows, finds himself as the underdog at 66/1, with fans sceptical of his chances of trading his hammer for a paso doble. Ex-footballer Paul Merson is also on the back foot, with odds of 33/1, despite his fancy footwork on the pitch.

Brian O’Keeffe, a spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “Strictly fever is in full swing, and Tasha Ghouri is already the fans’ favourite. With her dancing experience, she could easily outshine her rivals and claim the Glitterball.”

Here’s how the odds are shaping up for this year’s Strictly:

5/2 Tasha Ghouri
9/2 Jamie Borthwick
9/2 Sam Quek
5/1 Shayne Ward
8/1 JB Gill
10/1 Montell Douglas
10/1 Tom Dean
12/1 Chris McCausland
12/1 Sarah Hadland
14/1 Pete Wicks
20/1 Toyah Wilcox
33/1 Paul Merson
33/1 Punam Krishan
33/1 Wynne Evans
66/1 Nick Knowles

Stay tuned as the celebs lace up their dancing shoes – it’s going to be a sparkling season!

The new series launches on 14 September on BBC One.