Olympic duo backed for Strictly Come Dancing success

Louis Smith was given the most prominent role in the traditional group dance to kick off the new series of Strictly Come Dancing and this may be partly the reason that he has taken over as favourite to win the show.

Denise Van Outen was the shortest-priced favourite in history at 2/1 before any of the celebrities had stepped foot on the dance floor.

However, she has now drifted to 11/4 without having really strutted any of her stuff, with Olympic gymnastic medallist Louis taking over at the head of the betting at 5/2.

Louis landed a special backflip as part of the opening routine and was the only celebrity to really experience any moment of individual dance time.

There is the risk that this potentially undue prominence could count against him, with voters deciding that this was unnecessary in what is typically an ensemble, even if this was the decision of show producers.

The fact that he will be dancing with Flavia Cacace should also be a positive, as she still awaits her first series victory.

She does have experience of reaching the latter stages though as way back in the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing she reached the final with partner Matt Di Angelo.

But personality is also a key part of the show and there is the argument that both seem very reserved, meaning a more outgoing partner would have potentially been a better fit to each of them.

Time will tell if this proves true.

Meanwhile, there has also been plenty of support for Louis’ fellow Olympian Victoria Pendleton.

The track cyclist has been backed into 7/1 from 14/1 and will be partnered on the dancefloor by Brendan Cole.

Victoria will have the determination and will to win to make her a challenger as this will be part of her natural make up as a sports competitor.

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