The 15-strong Strictly Come Dancing line-up has been confirmed just weeks before the new series hits television screens and it seems one star already stands out as a clear winner.
The celebrities haven’t even been partnered up with a professional to showcase their skills but fans are backing Alex Scott.
The former Arsenal football star has taken the top spot with bookies as the celeb favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
Her odds of following in the footsteps of Stacey Dooley, who won with Kevin Clifton last year, are priced at just 5/1.
But she faces competition from former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley, who has odds of 6/1 to win.
Karim Zeroual and Saffron Barker are the other two contestants given single figure odds by bookmakers Coral at 8-1.
Harry Aitkenhead, a spokesperson for Coral, said: “It won’t be long until Strictly is back on our screens and excitement is starting to build over the 17th series of the popular show.
“We make ex-England women’s footballer Alex Scott the early favourite and we think she will have all the skills necessary to tackle the challenge and lift the Glitterball Trophy.”
And, it seems Alex will be doing everything she can to win.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Professional speaks out on QUITTING BBC series
She told the BBC: “I am absolutely buzzing to be signed up to Strictly.
“It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it.
“I’m super excited, but also terrified at the same time… The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!”
However, it’s bad news for Anneka Rice, who looks set to be the first star booted off the show.
Her odds of winning the series are at a pitiful 33/1.
“We make Anneka the most likely to be the first celebrity to be eliminated and she could well have her work cut out if she’s to make it through the early stages,” Harry added.
In other Strictly Come Dancing news, professional Dianne Buswell opened on what judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas are like backstage.
“We’re usually kept pretty separate, the judges to the competitors,” Dianne said.
“But if we see them [the judges] in the corridor, they’re so lovely, they will give us a chat, say hello.
“[But] we’re usually kept pretty separate especially on the day [live show day].”
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 starts on BBC One later this year.