Strictly Come Dancing returns for its first live show of the series on Saturday evening, and one dancer in particular will be feeling the pressure.
Nikita Kuzmin had been partnered with Dani Dyer, who unfortunately had to withdraw from the series just days ago following an injury sustained during training.
Her replacement, fellow Love Island star Amber Davies, was revealed on Friday, and it was later confirmed she'd had only 24 hours to begin training and get to know Mr Kuzmin.
Thankfully, Ms Davies has emerged as a strong contender in the betting markets, entering at 5/1.
Amber Davies has been announced as Dani Dyer's replacement | GETTYThis puts her just behind current frontrunner Lewis Cope at 7/4 as well as fan favourites Vicky Pattison at 2/1 and George Clarke at 9/2.
Despite the promising start, it’s a blow for Strictly pro Mr Kuzmin, who previously looked poised to win when partnered with Ms Dyer.
He now looks set for a tougher competition ahead. However, the latest odds from Online Casino provider Slingo suggest Ms Davies' arrival could in fact spell trouble for George Clarke, with her loyal online following giving her an edge that could see her climb the odds even further.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, a representative said: "The announcement of Amber Davies stepping in to replace Dani Dyer has caused a major shake-up in the betting markets, with Amber quickly emerging as a strong contender.
Nikita Kuzmin had been partnered with Dani Dyer
|BBC
"Now priced at 5/1 to win, she sits just behind frontrunner Lewis Cope at 7/4, and fan favourites Vicky Pattison at 2/1 and George Clarke at 9/2.
“It’s a blow for pro Nikita, who looked poised to finally secure his first ever Glitterball trophy alongside Dani.
"Partnered with Amber, the odds suggest the road ahead may be more competitive, but her profile brings a different kind of advantage.
"Since her Love Island win, Amber has built a fiercely loyal online fanbase of millions on Instagram, and that loyalty will be put to the test throughout the series.
" If her fans rally behind her, it could spell trouble for rivals like George Clarke, whose following is only a fraction of Amber’s."
Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, Chris Robshaw has been named as the least likely winner, with odds of 45/1, closely followed by Stefan Dennis at 36/1.
Responding to the announcement of Ms Davies replacing Ms Dyer, some fans of the show have complained that the programme "has lost the plot in every area" and requires "a total reset", highlighting frustration over the inclusion of a professionally trained dancer.
"A trained dancer!!! This show has lot the plot in every area. Needs a total reset," one posted.
Nikita Kuzmin's future in the series was uncertain before Ms Dyer's replacement was confirmed | BBCA second penned: "She has so much dance experience. Whilst she will not doubt be excellent and perhaps not trained in ballroom etc how would I feel as a fellow competitor on Strictly with little or no dance having to be judged in the same way?"
Another declared: "Trained West End stars shouldn't be allowed on the show!"
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The new pairing means Nikita Kuzmin will be able to continue in the series | BBCHowever, several supporters defended the casting, arguing that bringing in someone with performance skills was the only practical solution given the circumstances.
"Think someone with dance experience was the only fair way to give Nikita a partner. Wouldn't be fair on someone with no experience to have only a few days' training," one viewer pointed out.