This is who’s set to win Strictly this year after Aston’s shock exit

Aston Merrygold

by Emma Dodds |
Published on

Aston Merrygold was the sure-fire winner for Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - but after his shock exit two weeks ago, who's stepped into his shoes?

Even if he wasn't your favourite on this year's Strictly, you've got to admit it was a MASSIVE shock when JLS singer Aston Merrygold was booted out of the competition.

After going up against Mollie King in the dance-off, viewers were left open-mouthed when the judges chose to save Mollie over him.

GALLERY: All the celebrities signed up for Dancing On Ice next year

Gallery

All the celebrities signed up for Dancing On Ice next year (slider)

Monty Panesar1 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Monty Panesar

Former England international cricketer Monty Panesar is the second sports star to sign up for the show. He said: "This is a great opportunity to keep myself fit and motivated and try a different sport. I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be very exciting."

Kem Cetinay2 of 12
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Kem Cetinay

Love Island 2017 winner Kem Cetinay was the third celebrity to be announced for the show. He's probably hoping he has the same success as he did on** **Love Island!

Jake Quickenden3 of 12
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Jake Quickenden

Jake Quickenden found fame when he was a contestant on The X Factor in both 2012 and 2014, and will surely be a hit with viewers of the show. He said: "I'm terrified. I had my first training session yesterday - I was freezing! Ice is cold! But it was amazing, the coaches are unbelievable. I just feel so lucky that I've been asked to do it."

Candice Brown4 of 12
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Candice Brown

Candice Brown won The Great British Bake Off in 2016, has been confirmed for the show - will she win yet again? She said: "It's nerve-wracking. I start my training today. I take my first steps on the ice later on. My friends call me Bambi on Ice and that's just normal day to day!"

Max Evans5 of 12
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Max Evans

Scottish rugby union ace Max Evan has also been confirmed to appear on the show. He could be taking dancing tips from his brother Thom who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2014.

Brooke Vincent6 of 12
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Brooke Vincent

Coronation Street** **actress Brooke Vincent was the first celebrity to be confirmed for this year's show. The actress said she's doing the show to 'challenge' herself.

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Cheryl Baker

Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker has joined the show, but after the first training session, she's told her fans not to bet on her! She said: "I started training yesterday. It was such huge fun. I've never skated apart from when I was about 12. I am feeling nervous."

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Alex Beresford

Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford confirmed he is appearing on this year's series. The 37-year-old said: "I've wanted to do this show for ages. It's been the biggest secret I've ever kept."

Donna Air9 of 12
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Donna Air

Donna Air confirmed she would be taking part in the show on Loose Women. Donna said she was nervous about taking part, but she was also excited. "It is absolutely terrifying. It's exciting though, it's looking like it's going to be a great series. It's really difficult."

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Perri Shakes-Drayton

British track and field athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton is swapping the track for the ice rink as she takes part in the new series. Perri confirmed her appearance in an interview on BBC Radio 1Xtra, saying: "It is an opportunity and I was told in the past I'd never be able to run again and that was not nice to be told."

Antony Cotton11 of 12
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Antony Cotton

Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton is the 11th celebrity to be announced for the new series. Antony, who plays Sean Tully in the soap, said: "I better get my skates on - I've got practicing to do!"

Stephanie Waring12 of 12
CREDIT: ITV Pictures

Stephanie Waring

Stephanie is the third soap star to sign up to the series after Corrie actors Brooke Vincent and Antony Cotton.

Aston was the firm favourite to win at the bookies too, but after his shock exit, they think the most likely winner will be...

Drum roll please...

Alexandra Burke!

We know - hardly a shocker, is it?

According to Betstars, Alexandra is now most likely to win the show with odds of 2/1.

WATCH: Aston and Janette Viennese Waltz to 'Who's Loving You' - Strictly Come Dancing 2017

Hot on her heels is radio presenter Gemma Atkinson with odds of 3/1.

Debbie McGee has apparently lost her shine with odds of 11/8, and dark horse Joe McFadden is 5/1.

Then comes EastEnders star Davood Ghadami with odds of 6/1, before a big leap up to Mollie King who is 28/1.

Susan Calman is in last place with odds of 50/1 - but she could surprise us all and take the Glitterball Trophy home this year.

Alexandra Burke
©BBC Pictures

BetStars Director of Trading Ian Marmion said: "After wowing the judges with her quickstep in Blackpool, Alexandra Burke is now the outright favourite at 2/1 to be crowned this year’s Queen of the Strictly ballroom, with Gemma Atkinson following closely behind at 3/1.

"Debbie McGee was one of the early frontrunners to lift the coveted glitterball trophy but has now drifted from 7/2 to 11/8 after narrowly avoiding elimination this weekend. As the only male celebrities left in the competition, actors Joe McFadden and Davood Ghadami can be backed at 5/1 and 6/1 to steal the female vote.

"Former favourite Mollie King has drifted to 28/1 to win the competition outright after finding herself in the dreaded dance-off twice already this series, while Scottish comedienne Susan Calman is still the outsider at 50/1 to go all the way."

So there ya go!

Who do YOU want to win Strictly Come Dancing this year? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter.

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