Specials: Gascoigne Has Not Danced Off With Ice Title Just Yet

The current series of Dancing on Ice is proving to be the most competitive in its 14 series history.

Regan Gascoigne’s odds have been hovering around 6/4 for the past six weeks. That price has barely moved – he starts this week as outright favourite top-priced 5/4 at Coral. However, as the field narrows, the pack seems to be closing in on him.

Following last Sunday’s show, when Stef Reid was eliminated, the latest Dancing On Ice betting sees Kimberly Wyatt and Brendan Cole shortening significantly. They are now 5/2 and 11/4 respectively.

But, in what is now a five runner race, even Conor Ball has a live chance. He is just 9/1 with 888sport but an industry top-price of 14/1 is available at Ladbrokes.

Historically, heading into the final few weeks, this ITV series has given favourite backers a healthy profit. In 2022 that trend could be bucked. After all, there is every chance Gascoigne has peaked too soon while his rivals are still improving their skating skills.

It is unclear how this could translate into scores. In last Sunday’s show Kimberley, Brendan and Regan all received perfect 40 scores for their dance. This makes Gascoigne’s price all the more bewildering.

William Hill and bet365* and are amongst those offering a market on the ‘Top Male’ contestant. Here they go 8/11 (William Hill) Regan Gascoigne, 7/4 (bet365*) Brendan Cole and 8/1 Connor Ball. As Cole and Gascoigne are averaging an identical 35.8 per-show, Brendan Cole looks a fair bet at the prices.

Kimberly The Swing Vote Winner

Unquestionable there is always a degree of sexist voting in shows of this ilk. For example, if and when a voter’s preferred male contestant is eliminated, their future votes tend to be transferred to another male contestant. Like ballots in political elections, there can be ‘swing voters’ in gameshow polls.

That bodes well for Kimberly Wyatt as she is on course to garner every ‘female vote’ in the decider. Furthermore, with a performance average score of 36.4, she has been the most successful performer to date.

The Exchange Players Opinion

Unquestionably, bookmakers who take bets on Dancing on Ice are no fools. They will be fully aware Gascoigne should have not remained stagnant in the betting as his rivals have dropped away. In essence, his chances are diminishing.

Betting exchange, Betfair is also a good barometer into voters’ intentions in shows like this. They have the footballer’s son out to odds of 2.46. In percentage terms, that make his chances around 42 percent.

And so, with the favourite unsteady and three male contestants continuing into week 9 – when two celebrities will be eliminated – Kimberly Wyatt would appear the shrewdest bet at Betfair’s current quote of 3/1.

There has never been a Dancing on Ice final featuring all three finalists of the same sex. On that theory, Kimberley will be skating in the decider. At that point, she will surely not be 3/1!

* Dancing On Ice odds 2022 correct at the time of writing. All odds subject to changes.