Dancing On Ice winner James Jordan believes this year’s series could end with the first female champion in over a decade.
The 46-year-old, who lifted the trophy with Alexandra Schaumam in 2019, has been keeping a close eye on the current series and has been particularly impressed by two contestants.
James believes 58-year-old competitor Michaela Strachan, who is paired with skating professional Mark Hanretty, could go all the way to the end.
The presenter impressed judges last weekend with a score of 34 out of 40 for their routine to Shakira’s hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).
This result placed them joint second on the leaderboard alongside Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt.
Just behind them was Mollie Pearce from The Traitors, another contestant James rates highly.
“At the moment, Michaela and Mollie are my two favourites,” he shared, speaking in association with Sky Vegas.
“Closely followed by Dan [Edgar] and Vanessa [James], then Sam [Aston] and Molly [Lanaghan].”
James is predicting a significant shift in the show’s history of winners.
Since the show revamped in 2018, there is yet to be a female champion.
Ahead of this, gymnast Beth Tweddle was the last female contestant to win in 2013.
“This is the first year at this stage where I thought that two of the standout people are both females, which is amazing,” James added.
“I would love to see a female winner and I didn’t realise it’s been 12 years since a female has won.”
According to Betway’s latest odds, James’ two favourites still have a high chance of making it all the way to the end.
Michaela remains the frontrunner to win the show with odds at 5/4. Coronation Street star Sam is closing in at 3/1, while Mollie remains in contention at 4/1.
Betway spokesperson Mike Reading commented: “As we glide through the competition, the routines are getting stronger each week. Dan Edgar topped the leaderboard last weekend with a slick performance to Blue Moon, but it’s still Michaela who placed joint second that punters are backing to go all the way.
“At the other end of the market, Love Island’s Chris Taylor—who lost his skating partner Vanessa Bauer due to injury—is a longshot at 25/1, while ex-footballer Anton Ferdinand is a distant 33/1 and most likely to depart next if the latest odds are anything to go by!”.
Dancing On Ice airs tonight at 6.25pm on ITV.
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