The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing hits a crucial halfway stage this weekend, and the competition is getting fiercer by the minute.
With just nine couples left fighting for the Glitterball Trophy, former Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and pro partner Karen Hauer will be taking on a high-energy Samba to Gloria Estefan’s Samba as they look to cha-cha their way safely into Week Eight.
However, in a blow to the eager dancer's chances of lifting this year’s trophy, new betting data suggests he could be next out.
Fresh odds released ahead of the next instalment now have the sprinter as one of the frontrunners for elimination this weekend, after a dip in public backing over recent weeks.
Betting data suggests Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey could be next out of the dancing competition
| BBC
According to BetMGM, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal remains the favourite to be sent home on Sunday night at 3/4, but Mr Aikines-Aryeetey is now right behind her at 11/4.
West End star Amber Davies is next in line at 13/2, followed by drag performer La Voix at 8/1.
BetMGM Brand Director Dan Towse said: “Balvinder has been fancied to exit the show over the last couple of weeks but has so far avoided the boot.
“Her odds of 3/4 suggest this might finally be the week she exits Strictly, although Harry Aikines-Aryeetey isn’t out of the woods at 11/4, so it will be interesting to see how it goes on Sunday evening.”
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and partner Karen Hauer will be taking on a high-energy Samba to Gloria Estefan’s Samba this weekend
|PA
Rival bookies William Hill has also slashed Mr Aikines-Aryeetey's odds to be next eliminated, cutting him from 3/1 to 9/4, while Ms Davies has also shortened to 5/1 from 12/1.
Lee Phelps from William Hill added: “Balvinder Sopal is once again the favourite to be eliminated next from Strictly, but punters have latched onto Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Amber Davies to go next with Sopal upsetting the odds in recent weeks.”
Meanwhile, in the outright market for this year’s Glitterball, YouTuber George Clarke is still the one to beat, but even his lead has softened slightly.
BetMGM now has him at 5/4, with Lewis Cope closing the gap at 15/8.
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Nikita Kuzmin and Amber Davies are also frontrunners for elimination on Sunday
| BBC
Alex Kingston has surged up the rankings too and is now 11/2 to win.
This means Mr Aikines-Aryeetey's hopes of going all the way now appear to be slipping just as the competition reaches the halfway point, and this weekend could prove decisive for his Strictly future.
The athlete's journey so far on Strictly has been a mix of athletic-driven performances and emotional highs, with the Olympian impressing judges with his energy and quick learning ability.
He has received high praise for performances like his Usher-inspired Argentine Tango during Icons Week and his American Smooth, even surviving a notable mistake due to his sprinter instincts.
Despite acknowledging the daunting nature of dancing compared to his athletic career, Mr Aikines-Aryeetey has committed to giving his all, with his partner commending his ability to absorb choreography and maintain a positive attitude.
He'll be hoping to avoid a similar fate that befell actress and model Ellie Goldstein last weekend.
Alongside pro dancer Vito Coppola, Ms Goldstein bid farewell to her Strictly co-stars after losing the dance-off to the aforementioned Ms Sopal.
Addressing her departure soon after, Ms Goldstein penned a touching tribute to her pro partner, and the experience as a whole.
"I can’t even begin to put into words how grateful I am for all the love, support, and beautiful messages I’ve received since leaving Strictly Come Dancing. Every single comment, message, vote, cheer and encouragement has meant the world to me," she began on Instagram.
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola left the show last weekend
| BBCMs Goldstein went on: "Being part of Strictly has been a dream come true the sparkle, the music, the laughter, and most of all, the people. I’ve grown so much, learned things I never thought I could do, and made memories I’ll treasure forever.
"To my amazing dance partner, thank you for believing in me, for your patience, for pushing me to be my best, and for being by my side through every single step. You’re truly one of a kind. My life now fills complete with you in it.
"To the @bbcstrictly team, the judges, love you @claudiawinkle and @tessdaly, the wardrobe, hair & makeup, crew, and everyone behind the scenes thank you for making this magical show what it is. You’ve given me an experience I’ll never forget. And the fabulous cast I love you all."
Ms Goldstein went on to thank her fans for their support before signing off her statement: "This isn’t goodbye… just the beginning of a new chapter." (sic)