Chris Hollins is the favourite going into the Strictly Come Dancing Semi-Final on Saturday, with Betfair customers making him odds-on at 5-6 to win the show.
According to many, the BBC presenter is arguably the poorest dancer of the remaining trio, yet his chances of success have unquestionably been boosted by Ricky Whittle's diminishing popularity with the public.
Whittle was only recently trading odds-on to be named as 'King of the Ballroom', yet since his arrest in Liverpool two weeks ago his price to win has lengthened dramatically to 9-2, which makes him the outsider of the party.
Though while punters have appeared to all but give up on the Hollyoaks actor, they still appear to have some faith in Ali Bastian, who remains in with a fightingchance as far as the betting markets are concerned, currently 12-5 to win.
Betfair spokesman Michael Robb said: "Since that night on Merseyside the punters’ desertion of Ricky Whittle has been astonishing, and despite his magnificent moves, it looks as if the Strictly title is now between Chris and Ali."
Strictly Come Dancing 7 winner - Betfair latest betting: 5-6 Chris Hollins, 12-5 Ali Bastian, 9-2 Ricky Whittle
