Karim Zeroual New Favourite For Strictly

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing launched on Saturday night and BoyleSports have made 19-year old Karim Zeroual the new favourite at 3/1, cut from 7/1.

Karim is best known for his appearances on CBBC and is no stranger to stages, having starred in a series on West End productions with notable performances including a stint in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, The Far Pavillions and The Lion King.

Emma Barton, better known as Honey Mitchell in EastEnders, has been trimmed into 4/1 from 7/1 making her the second favourite. Emma has stage experience and her dance partner 53-year old Anton Du Beke could be heading towards his first Glitterball after being in the show for fifteen years. The veteran ballroom dancer has been on the show since its first series but has never won.

The initial 7/2 favourite Alex Scott has been eased out to 9/2

…and reigning champion Kevin Clifton, who won last year with Stacey Dooley, has been partnered with TV personality Anneka Rice, the oldest star on the roster this year at 60. Anneka is 50/1, eased from 28/1.

Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley will be paired with South African professional dancer Johannes Radebe with her odds remaining unchanged at 7/1.

Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing featured in the launch episode but due to an injury he cannot take part in the show. He will be replaced by Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher who is 10/1.

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