Angela Rippon favourite to depart Strictly

Despite backing from former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Brendan Cole to reach the final, the odds are on for Angela Rippon to bounce out of the ballroom celebrity battle in Blackpool.

Former BBC News host Rippon is the overwhelming favourite with William Hill to be the eighth contestant eliminated from this year’s edition of the show which comes live from the sprung-floored Tower Ballroom in Blackpool tonight.

The presenter is 1/3 to depart the series during the Sunday night results show – the shortest price any contestant has been to be voted off since the series started – after experiencing two consecutive weeks in the bottom two.

Should Angela make it a hattrick of narrow escapes, then Annabel Croft (3/1) will likely have to face the music.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps:

“Angela Rippon has already had her share of close shaves in the Ballroom after spending the past fortnight in the bottom two, but our market suggests it may finally be time for the presenter to face the music. Angela is 1/3 with us to depart Strictly this weekend – the lowest price we’ve had on any contestant to leave the show since the season commenced – making her the overwhelming favourite to be the eighth casualty of the series.  

“Annabel Croft likewise failed to impress last week and is the second favourite at 3/1 to be eliminated on Sunday, with Angela Scanlon third on the list at 7/1.”

William Hill – TV/Specials – SCD Next Elimination:

Strictly Come Dancing, BBC One from 6.40 pm