Former X Factor finalists Alexandra Burke and Aston Merrygold are set to reignite their rivalry on the Strictly dance floor.
The singers, who both reached the final of the 2008 ITV singing competition which Burke eventually won, emerged as early favourites after the final celebrity dancers were revealed on Monday.
JLS singer Merrygold leads Burke in the running, according to bookies William Hill and Betway, where he has been priced at 11/4 and 5/2 respectively.
William Hill have the Hallelujah singer at 4/1, ahead of singer Mollie King (9/2) and actress Gemma Atkinson (13/2). Meanwhile, Betway have the trio joint-second favourites, all at 11/2.
Elsewhere, Coral judge King to offer a greater threat to Merrygold with the former The Saturdays singer pushing Burke into third in their stakes.
EastEnders star Davood Ghadami comes in at 10/1 on William Hill ahead of Paralympian Jonnie Peacock (16/1), presenter Charlotte Hawkins (16/1), Holby City’s Joe McFadden (16/1), comedian Brian Conley (25/1), Debbie McGee (25/1), with Rev Richard Coles, actress Chizzy Akudolu and comedian Susan Calman all on 40/1, ahead of Langsford and Rimmer.
Coral’s John Hill said: “Aston has proved very popular in the early betting for Strictly this year and is the one contestant the bookmakers will really be fearing on the back of the gamble heading into the new series.
“The top three names in the outright market all have a music background and, as we have seen in previous years, they have a fantastic record on the show.”
