Strictly Come Dancing: Which Professions Have The Edge On The Dance Floor?
With Strictly Come Dancing celebrating its 20th anniversary, all eyes will be on the show to see which contestant comes out on top this year. And new research from BetMGM has revealed an interesting pattern emerging after analysing the previous winners’ professions.
Over the years, the glitterball trophy has more often than not gone to familiar TV personalities. A deeper look into the show's history reveals that actors and TV presenters dominate the leaderboard, accounting for 90% of past champions with winners including Ellie Leach, Stacey Dooley, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Tom Chambers. But could this be the year other professions finally get their moment in the spotlight?
Athletes have historically had a harder time impressing the judges and voters. There have only been three athletic winners – in 2005 (Darren Gough), 2006 (Mark Ramprakash) and 2012 (Louis Smith) – with no victories recorded in the past decade.
This year, however, the competition looks fierce. Of the 15 contestants vying for the top prize, four are either current or former athletes, which could mark a turning point for the sports stars. These include Montell Douglas (8/1), Sam Quek (9/1), Tom Dean (50/1) and Paul Merson (100/1).
Interestingly, just six out of 21 Strictly winners have had previous dance experience, with contestants like Layton Williams and Angela Scanlon not winning despite their backgrounds and training in dance. While their prior experience may have set high expectations, it ultimately didn’t guarantee them the glitterball trophy.
This year Tasha Ghouri (3/1) and JB Gill (15/4) bring their previous dance experience to the competition but, as past seasons have shown, that might end up working against them.
Jo Hemmings, behavioural psychologist, comments on why some professions seem to be more successful than others on the Strictly stage:
"Actors and TV presenters often have an edge on Strictly because they’re so comfortable in front of the camera. Their experience with live performance and connecting with viewers gives them a real advantage when they’re dancing in front of millions each week. Presenters, like actors, know how to engage emotionally with an audience, which helps them build the kind of fan base that’s crucial for securing votes.
"That said, sports stars like Montell Douglas bring their own strengths to the competition. Their physical discipline and competitive nature could give them the breakthrough they need. Agility and co-ordination, which are essential in athletics, translate well into dance so 2024 could be the year where the athletes make a comeback."
The return of the ‘Strictly Curse’?
The infamous ‘Strictly Curse’ is never far from the minds of fans as each new season kicks off. After a year without any headline-making romantic entanglements, BetMGM’s latest insights suggest that 2024 could be the year the curse makes its return.
According to behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, the so-called ‘Strictly Curse’ is driven by a mix of physical closeness, emotional vulnerability, and the high-pressure environment the show creates.
The hours spent in rehearsal, where dance partners rely on each other to perform well, can lead to strong emotional bonds. Add the intensity of live performances, the glamour of the costumes, and the constant public scrutiny, and you have the perfect recipe for blurred lines between personal and professional relationships.
Could the intense dynamics of the ballroom floor spark new connections? Only time will tell if the curse will strike again.
This year’s favourites
With this year’s show now in full motion, predictions are already being made about the top contenders. Tasha Ghouri is currently the favourite to win, priced at 3/1, with comedian Chris McCausland close behind at 13/4 and singer JB Gill at 15/4. Fan-favourite actress Sarah Hadland is also in the mix, priced at 7/4.
Check out all of our Strictly Come Dancing betting markets on our dedicated page.
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