Wood you believe it.. Jake’s the new Strictly favourite

Jake Wood is storming ahead as the clear favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing after his week two performance alongside dance partner Janette Manrara, according to Ladbrokes.

Performing the Salsa to Mambo No5, the Eastenders actor produced a routine which included plenty of hip action and tricks which had the audience rising to a standing ovation.

And with the judges scorecard giving him a total of 35 out of 40 there was no denying who was top of the leaderboard after the first two shows of the hit BBC dance show.

This led to 88% of all Strictly wagers placed with the bookmaker in the last week being for Jake, which has propelled him into favouritism at 3/1, removing Pixie Lott (10/3) and Frankie Bridge (10/3) from the top spot.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “The support for Jake has been relentless and his fans have backed him into favouritism. It’s still early days and any of the top five celebrities could win, but the money and momentum is with Jake currently.”

And it’s just as tight at the other end of the betting with Jennifer Gibney and Judy Murray the joint favourites to leave the show this weekend at odds of 7/4, or it’s 4/1 Tim Wonnacott or Scott Mills dance their last dance.

The punters seemed to get it right last week with both Gregg Wallace and Jennifer supported to be in the bottom two and favourite, MasterChef star Wallace, was the first celebrity to leave the show.

This week Jennifer could be in danger once again but Judy, after her disastrous week two Cha Cha could run her close as the second celeb to be given the boot.

Ladbrokes Latest Betting

Strictly Come Dancing Winner…

Jake Wood 3/1, Pixie Lott 10/3, Frankie Bridge 10/3, Simon Webbe 11/2, Caroline Flack 6/1, Thom Evans 12/1, Mark Wright 16/1, Steve Backshall 25/1, Alison Hammond 25/1, Sunetra Sarker 50/1, Scott Mills 100/1, Judy Murray 100/1, Jennifer Gibney 100/1, Tim Wonnacott 100/1

Next Elimination…

Jennifer Gibney   7/4, Judy Murray   7/4, Tim Wonnacott   4/1, Scott Mills   4/1, Sunetra Sarker   10/1, Thom Evans   25/1, Alison Hammond   33/1, Steve Backshall   33/1, 50/1 bar.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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