The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing is in full swing, and the tension is already palpable as the first elimination looms. According to the latest odds from bet365, This Morning star Ross King is the frontrunner to face the chop in the upcoming results show on Sunday, October 5, at 7:15 PM. With odds of 8/11, the 63-year-old presenter is teetering on the edge of the competition after a rocky start on the Strictly dance floor.
King, who has charmed audiences as a four-time News Emmy winner and a veteran of over 30 TV series, found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard after scoring a mere 10 points in week one and 15 points in week two. His emotional waltz to “Sunshine on Leith” by The Proclaimers alongside professional partner Jowita Przystał tugged at viewers’ heartstrings, but it wasn’t enough to impress the judges. Speaking to host Tess Daly, a tearful King declared himself the “poster boy for older men that can’t dance” and expressed hope that his efforts would inspire others to take a chance on the dance floor.
Despite his passion, King now faces the daunting prospect of the first Strictly dance-off, where the two couples with the fewest public votes will battle it out for survival. The decision will rest with the judges, and this year, a new twist adds extra drama: the casting vote will rotate weekly among the panel. For the first elimination, Motsi Mabuse will hold the deciding power, making her verdict pivotal in determining who stays and who goes.
Hot on King’s heels in the betting odds is internet personality Thomas Skinner, with odds of 11/4, followed by rugby star Chris Robshaw at 4/1. The competition is fierce, and with public votes playing a crucial role, anything could happen before Sunday’s results show.
King’s journey hasn’t been without its emotional highs. Earlier this week, he and Przystał visited Loch Lomond in Scotland, where the presenter, a self-proclaimed “very proud Scottish person,” was moved to tears while reflecting on his heritage. His enthusiasm for Strictly was evident from the start, as he channeled his mother’s advice: “You’ll never know till you give it a go!” But with the odds stacked against him, will King’s determination be enough to keep him in the competition?
As the first elimination approaches, the stakes are higher than ever. Tune in to Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday at 7:15 PM to see who will survive the dance-off and who will be the first to leave the ballroom. One thing’s for sure—this season is already delivering drama, tears, and plenty of surprises!