TV
Strictly Come Dancing Odds: Punters backing Karen Carney for Glitterball glory
With the Strictly Come Dancing final just around the corner, betting activity has reached fever pitch and one name is dominating the outright market, Karen Carney.
Carney has been one of the standout performers throughout the competition, and that consistency is now being reflected in the betting. Having already been installed as the outright favourite, her price has continued to contract sharply, moving from 4/7 into a commanding 2/5. That shift has been driven by an extraordinary volume of wagers, with Carney accounting for almost half of all bets placed on the market in the build-up to the final.
Carney’s journey has been remarkable, she was available at 8/1 as recently as mid-November, but a combination of technical ability, strong judges’ scores and sustained public backing has seen her emerge as the clear frontrunner at the business end of the competition. Now going into the final, she is the frontrunner for the Glitterball Trophy.
George Clarke remains the nearest challenger in the betting, priced at 15/8. The social media personality has been popular with viewers throughout the series and continues to attract steady support, though he has not seen the same late surge of money as Carney. From William Hill’s standpoint, Clarke represents the most favourable outcome, largely due to the sheer volume of bets riding on the favourite.
At the other end of the market sits Amber Davies, who goes into the final as a 20/1 outsider. While her price reflects the uphill task she faces against two heavily fancied rivals, she would be the worst result for the book if she can spring a shock in the final. Shock winners at long odds can have a significant impact on liabilities, particularly when much of the market has concentrated on one dominant selection.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 – Outright Betting
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing.
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “It’s almost time for one of the TV highlights of the year, the Strictly Come Dancing final, and punters are clearly backing Karen Carney to fend off George Clarke and Amber Davies to be crowned series champion.
“We’ve seen plenty of money for the former Lioness, accounting for almost 50% of all bets placed this week, seeing her price cut from 4/7 into 2/5. Carney was as long as 8/1 in mid-November.
“A win for George Clarke would be welcomed given Carney’s favouritism, whereas we’re hoping to avoid a shock win for 20/1 long shot Davies, which would be the most damaging result in our book.”
As the final approaches, the market suggests that Carney’s momentum has peaked at exactly the right time. With heavy betting support, short odds and strong recent performances, she goes into the weekend as the contestant everyone else must beat — and the one bookmakers fear the most.
