Cach Mercer shortens ahead of Strictly opener

Former Love Island star Cach Mercer has seen floods of support in the build up to the Strictly Come Dancing opener on Saturday night, being backed into 15/2 from 12/1 with William Hill to lift the Glitterball Trophy.

Fellow former islander Dani Dyer remains the long-standing 7/2 favourite, followed by Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb (9/2), and Lacey Turner (6/1).

EastEnders actress, Turner, has attracted 16% of all bets and 17% of stakes, making her the our biggest potential liability among the field.

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Outright:

• Dani Dyer – 7/2
• Lawrence Robb – 9/2
• Delta Goodrem – 6/1
• Lacey Turner – 6/1
• Cach Mercer – 15/2
• Tabby Stoecker – 9/1
• BAR – 14/1

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Dani Dyer looks the one to beat in the early running for the Glitterball Trophy, but Lawrence Robb will be hot on her heels if he can win the public over on the dancefloor.

“Meanwhile, It’s Lacey Turner who’ll be causing us the most sleepless nights – she’s already our biggest liability in the market with 16% of all bets placed on her, so a strong start from the Eastenders star in week one could see those odds tumble further.

“Cach Mercer’s move from 12/1 into 15/2 hasn’t gone unnoticed either, and if that support keeps building, he could easily find himself among the frontrunners before the series really gets going.”

*Prices accurate at the time of writing  – odds subject to change*