Strictly fans think Wynne Evans is set for Blackpool exit – but he’s got a lifeline-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones could make it through Blackpool (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Wynne Evans is favourite to leave Strictly Come Dancing on the upcoming Blackpool special, but he could benefit from a series pattern.

While it may initially seem like totally bad news that Wynne and his professional dance partner Katya Jones had to face Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu in the latest dance-off, there is an unexpected benefit.

The bottom two is undeniably a tough position to be in on the BBC entertainment show, but there’s a reward for the pair who are saved by the judges. Not only do they progress to the next week, but so far in the 2024 series, the pair also don’t find themselves back in the bottom two for at least two weeks.

Aside from Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones, every couple who’s survived the dance-off has bought themselves at least two more weeks.

Paul Merson, Shayne, JB Gill and Montell Douglas have all been the previous receivers of this dance-off gift.

Why this happens is unclear – perhaps their fans feel more passionately about picking up the phone to vote after seeing them in danger, or they have extra fire in their belly to put on a show after the disappointing results – whatever it is, it’s worked time and time again.

JB Gill faced the dance-off with Amy Dowden in week five but has not been back. He is now partnered with Lauren Oakley (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

JB and Montell have not returned to the bottom two since landing there in week five and week seven respectively. Paul and Shayne have both now left the contest, but neither faced the dance-off for two consecutive weeks.

Wynne is the strong favourite to be the eighth contestant eliminated, according to Bet Ideas.

However, if things continue in the same manner as the past six weeks then opera singer Wayne, 52, and Katya, 35, could defy the odds.

Pairs get a week off from being in the bottom two (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Coming up behind Wynne is Pete Wicks, who is at 4/1 to be eliminated, with JB Gill (7/1) completing the top three. Meanwhile, Jamie Borthwick is at 8/1, and Montell is 14/1.

Considered to be relatively safe are Chris McCausland, whose chances of winning could have been improved by Coleen Rooney, Tasha Ghouri, and Sarah Hadland.

Some viewers were shocked about Shayne’s departure(Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

X Factor winner Shayne, 40, and Nancy, 33, almost made it a hat-trick of dance-off success on Sunday night as they were initially saved by judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.

Their luck changed when Anton Du Beke opted to rescue Wynne and Katya and Shirley Ballas – who as Head Judge has the casting vote – also favoured them.

Fans called the result an ‘absolute travesty’ and ‘disgusting’, and even Nancy shared her thoughts.

‘I want you to know that there is something bigger and better is on its way to coming to you! And by the time [sic] you receive more fair results!’ she added, not mincing her words.

‘I [am] definitely gutted that our journey has [been] cut like this! And I want you to understand that you are an amazing person and performer, thank you for trusting me and letting me share my knowledge and passion with you! I hope our friendship will continue after this journey! As I adore our relationship! @shaynetward.’

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One and iPlayer, with the results show airing on Sunday at 7.20pm.

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