Helen Skelton is the new favourite to take home the Strictly Come Dancing glitterball trophy at William Hill, after meeting her pro partner ahead of this Friday’s launch show.

The presenter, from Carlisle in Cumbria, is no stranger to competition, having participated in the Commonwealth Games, The Great Sport Relief Bake Off, and Celebrity Chase. 

With odds of (7-2) she’s overtaken previous frontrunner Fleur East, who held a steady lead until the celebs met their professional dance partners, but has since dropped to (4-1).

While it remains to be seen who Helen will be partnered up with, it seems fans are convinced whoever it is will give her the competitive edge over her fellow contestants. 

This is despite Helen recently admitting that she finds it hard to get close to her partner, saying: “Yesterday when we were getting close, my partner was like, ‘every time I get close to you, you jump away’’ adding ‘I think that’ll be the challenge’.

Fans have picked up on the fact Helen avoided saying ‘him’ in the above statement, leading to speculation that we could be in for another same-sex pairing on this year’s competition.

We don’t have to wait much longer to see which celebs will be paired with which pros, with the delayed launch taking place on Friday, and the first live show kicking off on Saturday.

READ MORE: Helen Skelton appears in Strictly Come Dancing video

Other contestants that fans are backing for the win at this stage are singer and actor Will Mellor (11-2), singer Matt Goss (7-1) and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds (8-1).

On the other end of the scale, the least-backed celebs are presenter Kaye Adams (50-1), football manager Tony Adams (40-1) and cameraman Hamza Yassin (33-1). 

Top competitors for Strictly Come Dancing

Helen Skelton (7-2)

Fleur East (4-1)

Will Mellor (11-2)

Matt Goss (7-1)

Ellie Simmonds (8-1)

Tyler West (10-1)

Richie Anderson (14-1)

Molly Rainford (16-1)

Kym Marsh (16-1)

Jayde Adams (20-1)

Speaking on the shortened odds, Tony Kenny - Head of Sponsorship PR at William Hill - said: “Helen was always going to be one to watch in this year’s competition, as she’s a popular host who’s proven she has it in her to win time and time again.

“It’s particularly interesting that her odds have tightened so close to the first live show - whether this is related to who her professional partner is, or just an early hunch some fans are acting on, remains to be seen this weekend.”

READ MORE: Cumbrian presenter Helen Skelton confirmed as Strictly Come Dancing contestant