The glamour of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom awaits the stars of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, but the annual spectacle has been overshadowed by a crushing blow for the competition. In an unexpected twist, only six of the seven remaining celebrities will take to the legendary sprung floor, dramatically increasing the pressure on those left to perform.
Injury Sidelines La Voix Ahead of Crucial Week
The show, which normally films at Elstree Studios, makes its iconic annual trip to Blackpool, but this year's event has been disrupted. Drag artist La Voix has sustained an injury, forcing her to miss the special. In a rare move, the BBC has granted her a pass through to the following week's show, but this is contingent on her recovery. This decision means the six competing couples now face a heightened risk, with the dreaded elimination looming on Sunday night.
Balvinder Sopal Tipped for Exit After Fourth Dance-Off
All eyes are now on Balvinder Sopal, who the bookmakers predict is most likely to have her Strictly journey end in Blackpool. According to Betfair, she is the clear frontrunner to leave, with odds of 1/4 on her exit. This comes after she survived her fourth dance-off last weekend against Vicky Pattison. Out of the seven eliminations held so far in the series, Balvinder has found herself in the bottom two four times.
The relentless pressure appears to be taking a significant toll on her confidence. Ahead of the most recent dance-off, Balvinder heartbreakingly admitted, "I don't want to do it. I really don't want to do it." Despite the judges saving her and her professional partner, Julian Caillon, the emotional strain was evident.
Who Else is at Risk This Weekend?
The betting odds reveal a tight race behind Balvinder Sopal for who might face elimination. Amber Davies and Alex Kingston are both tied with odds of 13/2 to leave the competition this week. They are followed by Karen Carney at 9/1 and George Clarke at 16/1. Meanwhile, Lewis Cope looks to be the safest, with long odds of 50/1 suggesting he is almost certain to dance again next week.
With one couple unexpectedly safe, the stakes for the remaining six have never been higher as they prepare for their moment in the iconic Blackpool spotlight.
