Strictly star Nikita Kuzmin faces final heartbreak as odds signal exit

Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin is facing the prospect of missing the final, with the Mirror reporting ^[1] that his partner Dani Dyer is currently the third favourite to be eliminated. The betting market, driven by Betway odds, places Dani at 11/2, trailing behind Bethany Antonia and Will Best.

Bethany Antonia is the odds-on favourite to exit at 4/7, according to the Daily Star ^[2]. This follows a historic weekend where three couples landed in the bottom three for the first time in the show's history. The judges unanimously chose to send home Lawrence Robb rather than saving anyone, leaving the remaining couples in precarious positions.

Meanwhile, Jaime Winstone will not dance this weekend after suffering a torn abdominal muscle. The Mirror ^[1] confirmed that she and her professional partner Carlos Gu will automatically progress to the next week under the programme's rules. The BBC stated they wish Jaime well as she recovers.

Jaime expressed her devastation in a statement, noting that doctors have advised complete rest to heal her considerable pain. She emphasised the need to prioritise her health while praying for a speedy return to the dance floor. This bye ensures she remains in the competition despite the physical setback.

At the other end of the betting market, Lacey Turner has reclaimed the top spot as the favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy. Betway’s Lewis Knowles told the Daily Star ^[2] that the EastEnders star is now priced at 5/4, narrowly beating Olympian Tabby Stoecker who sits at 13/8. Knowles described the race as effectively a two-horse contest following superb performances from both actresses.

The upcoming results show will carry a solemn tone to mark Remembrance Sunday. The Strictly professionals will perform a group routine choreographed by Lizzie Gough. Set to Peter Gabriel’s arrangement of Heroes, the dance opens with British soldiers departing for war and takes its cue from the Monument to the Women of World War II, highlighting the experiences of women during the conflict.

Gregory Porter will provide music for the results show, accompanied by another routine from the professionals. The live show airs on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One, with the stakes higher than ever as the competition narrows down to its final contenders.