The anticipation has reached its peak as this year's Strictly Come Dancing stars have finally been matched with their professional dance partners. In the launch show, BBC audiences were treated to a preview of the upcoming excitement as the celebrity contestants joined together in a grand group performance to Dance Yourself Dizzy by Liquid Gold. Yet, it seems there may be early disappointment for one Strictly participant who has received a discouraging setback before the competition even kicks off.
Bookies have placed former footballer Paul Merson as the likely first casualty of the dance floor, with odds standing at 9/4, suggesting he might face an untimely departure, while Nick Knowles is hot on his heels with odds of 3/1, reports the Express . Ladbrokes' Alex Apati commented: "Paul Merson will already be praying for extra-time if the latest odds are anything to go by." The sportsman, aged 56, has been teamed up with Karen Hauer, who expressed her desire for Paul to relish every moment of the journey.
She told the BBC: "I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences we're going to have the most fun!" Karen has disclosed that their inaugural dance will be an American Smooth to the song Vindaloo by Fat Les. Discussing his participation in the show, Paul has admitted his intention to immerse himself fully. Responding to whether he was pleased to be partnered with Karen, the show's longest-standing professional dancer, he said: "Yeah, I'm we.