Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Paul Merson dealt heartbreaking blow hours before live show

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Strictly: Paul Merson on dad duties during It Takes Two

Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson has been dealt a significant setback mere hours before the live show. Despite dodging the dance-off, Paul and his dance partner Karen Hauer are now the bookmakers' top picks to be eliminated this weekend, closely followed by TV doctor Punam Krishan and reality star Pete Wicks.

Betway spokesperson Chad Yeomans noted: "Paul and Karen impressed the judges last week with their best score yet, but they're dancing the notoriously tricky Samba this weekend to the 1976 hit Car Wash.

 "Many bettors believe this could be a step too far, making Paul the even-money favourite to bow out. Next in the elimination betting this week come Punam Krishan at 3/1 and Pete Wicks at 15/2."

Regarding the potential winner, he stated: "Chris McCausland continues to go from strength to strength and remains the odds-on favourite to win the competition with his closest rival for the Glitterball trophy being Tasha Ghouri."

Paul and Karen appeared on Strictly It Takes Two on Wednesday to discuss their upcoming Saturday performance. Despite receiving glowing comments from judges, Paul is now preparing for his next challenge, a Samba routine set to the classic tune Car Wash, remarking that it feels like a return to "back to reality," reports Birmingham Live.

Don't miss...
Strictly Come Dancing exit 'sealed' as fans air concern for Paul Merson [REACTION]
Strictly star pulls out of studio appearance as Janette Manrara explains absence [LATEST]

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer are the bookies' favourites to leave (Image: BBC)

Reflecting on the previous week's dance, Paul told Janette Manrara: "Amazing. Just to get a nice dance.

"Obviously, a BBQ, a vindaloo, and footballs are coming in, and he looks like someone who works on a ship. Yeah, it was nice to dance. I thought Karen deserved that as well, to be fair."

"It felt nice when I first took up the chance to come on to the show. This is what I thought it would be roughly. Do you know what I mean? So it was nice to get one of those dances in."

Punam Krishan is also at risk of leaving (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have voiced their disappointment with Paul's comedic dances, expressing concerns over his potential departure from the show this Sunday.

One fan expressed their exasperation: "It makes me annoyed to see Paul and Karen talking about how much he loved being Fred Astaire during the quickstep, and that's what he always expected #Strictly to be, not the silly stuff. And then this week they have a samba to Car Wash, back to being the joke again."

Furthermore, another viewer implored the show to consider the contestants' aspirations: "#Strictly Please listen to Paul and Karen! The expectation when signing up was to learn to dance, with all the associated elegance, not silly songs and silly themes."

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday on BBC One.

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241015.min.js"

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Paul Merson dealt heartbreaking blow hours before live show

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Paul Merson dealt heartbreaking blow hours before live show

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Paul Merson dealt heartbreaking blow hours before live show

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Paul Merson dealt heartbreaking blow hours before live show

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Paul Merson dealt heartbreaking blow hours before live show