Strictly Odds 2024: Wynne Evans Dealt Major Blow Ahead of Week 5

Week four of Strictly Come Dancing was packed with stunning routines and unexpected drama. Shayne Ward and Nick Knowles faced off in a tense dance-off, with both stars fighting for their place in the competition. Unfortunately for Nick, his ongoing injury struggles proved too much, and despite his best efforts, he was sent home.

With week five approaching, Betfred Showbiz Specialist Kayley Cornelius is back to break down the latest Strictly odds ahead of the fourth elimination…

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec wowed with their Charleston, scoring the first perfect 40 of the series and keeping their lead at the top of the leaderboard. Wynne Evans and Katya Jones also impressed with a solid Tango, earning 34 points. However, their performance was overshadowed by an off-stage controversy.

During the live show, Wynne was seen placing his hand on Katya's waist, which she moved away, followed by her rejecting his high five. This sparked a wave of speculation on social media, with some viewers questioning whether Katya was uncomfortable. Wynne and Katya quickly clarified that it was nothing more than a harmless inside joke. Wynne admitted he was “heartbroken” over the misunderstanding, while Katya dismissed the rumours as “absurd,” assuring fans there was no discomfort between them.

Despite the drama, the competition is fiercer than ever as the contestants gear up for Halloween week, where every point and public vote will be crucial. So, let's get into this weeks favourites to leave...

Paul Merson @ 10/11

Last Sunday's dance-off once again proved that no contestant is safe, with many shocked to see Shayne Ward battling for his place in the show against Nick Knowles.

It appears that the popularity and likeability of this year's couples appear to be more influential than the judges' scores or leaderboard positions. This is perfectly exemplified by Paul Merson, who continues to stay in the competition despite consistently being the lowest scorer. Crucially, the unwavering support from his Arsenal fanbase and fellow football pundits is helping to keep the former England star's ballroom journey alive.

However, despite defying the odds multiple times this series, Paul remains the bookies' favourite to leave this weekend, priced at 10/11, as he continues to dodge what feels like an inevitable exit.

Punam Krishan @ 3/1

Trailing just behind Paul is Dr. Punam Krishan, with 3/1 odds of being eliminated. It’s a sharp fall from grace for the star of Movie Week—a performance that should have marked the beginning of her redemption arc and helped her climb the leaderboard. Sadly, Punam fell short last week, admitting her disappointment with her performance and acknowledging the numerous slips and mistakes she made.

If she doesn’t pull it together by Saturday, it could once again boil down to popularity between her and Paul to decide who ends up in the dance-off.

Wynne Evans @ 6/1

For one contestant, popularity certainly won’t be their saving grace as we head into week five. Wynne Evans finds himself in hot water after clips of him 'messing around' with pro partner Katya Jones went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Although the pair have apologised and clarified they were just 'having a laugh', some fans remain sceptical, which explains why he's now priced at 6/1 to leave this weekend and at an almost certain 1/8 to land in the dance-off.

While facing Paul Merson or Punam Krishan wouldn’t pose much of a challenge for Wynne, this controversy could mark the beginning of his downfall, leading to his exit in the coming weeks as the ‘easier’ competition is knocked out.

Pete Wicks @ 8/1

Unlike Wynne, Pete’s likeability has kept him afloat, allowing him to avoid the dance-off so far. If the competition was based solely on skill and performance, he likely would've been sent home weeks ago alongside Paul Merson, with both stars sitting at the bottom of the leaderboard.

While Pete currently has luck on his side and it looks unlikely we’ll see him eliminated this Sunday, if he doesn’t step up to meet the competition, his time in the contest will certainly be limited.

You can get all the latest Strictly Odds over on Betfred.com