Karen Carney has been knocked off the top spot in the latest Strictly Come Dancing betting odds
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time
14:25, 12 Dec 2025
Karen Carney, previously tipped as the favourite to claim the Strictly Come Dancing crown, has been overtaken in the betting by one of her fellow competitors.
The former footballer and her professional partner Carlos Gu may now face an uphill battle to secure the Glitterball Trophy, according to exclusive odds from Betway.
YouTuber George Clarke has emerged as the new frontrunner with odds of 5/6, pushing Karen into second place at 11/10.
Meanwhile, Balvinder Sopal, who had long been considered the most likely to depart, could potentially finish third with odds of 20/1.
This shift in the bookmakers’ predictions suggests that Amber Davies, who found herself in the dance-off last week, might struggle to reach the final, reports the Mirror.
Last weekend’s elimination shocked viewers when Lewis Cope departed the BBC competition.
Lewis Cope after dance-off against Amber Davies on Strictly(Image: PA)READ MORE: Loose Women star’s son rushed to hospital as she issues warning to viewersREAD MORE: Only Fools and Horses legends David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst to ‘reunite’
Following his dance-off against Amber Davies, the judges opted to save the Love Island star, resulting in Lewis and his professional partner Katya Jones being sent home.
Reflecting on his journey when speaking to Tess, Lewis said, “It’s been more than I could have ever wished for. If someone would have said that I’d have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I’d have been over the moon and snap their hand off.
“So, thank you to the full show, to everyone for having a space where people can be themselves, grow, learn, express themselves. It’s been incredible and a memory that I’ll have for the rest of my life, and [to Katya] I think it’s all down to you. You’ve literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher, and yeah, I couldn’t imagine it with anybody else. So, thank you very much.”
Karen Carney was the favourite to win(Image: BBC)
Reflecting on their partnership, Katya became emotional as she told Lewis: “I think you have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books and you will be remembered as one of, if not, the best male celebrity we’ve ever had on the show, but also you will be remembered for being an incredible person you are. Kind and genuine people still exist – what a gentleman you are, so humble and so kind.
“And I’m so glad that we had a chance to see you and showcase your talent, and what a beautiful person you are to the world. Thank you.”
The Emmerdale actor continued, praising the overwhelming support he’d experienced during his time on the programme: “It’s everything, isn’t it? I mean, what is life without people? And this show, I’ve seen how it’s brought people together, not just in my family, but it seems to lift people up.
“And it’s definitely brought my family, four generations, together every Saturday night – my Nana Dot sitting there smiling all the time. You know, young boys who thought that dancing wasn’t accessible for them or whatever. They started dancing now and have sent us videos. And you know, if you can change one person’s life like that, then that’s enough.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One.
