With series 20 of Strictly Come Dancing set to waltz back onto screens this month, history suggests that wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin will lift this years’ Glitterball Trophy, ahead of the bookies' favourite, Helen Skelton. The research from BonusCodeBets has looked at the key traits of winners from the previous 19 seasons, revealing that a typical champ is a 32-year-old male presenter.
Out of this year’s troupe of celebrities, Hamza Yassin perfectly fits the bill of a successful Strictly winner thanks to his textbook age, gender and occupation. TV presenters are the most successful profession – on par with actors – with the likes of Stacey Dooley and Ore Oduba jiving their way to victory in years past. Sportspeople are the third most successful with three wins previously, along with musicians/singers.
If Hamza doesn’t fox-trot his way to the trophy, BBC presenter, Richie Anderson is the next most likely to win, standing at an almost-perfect 34 years of age, and matching the top gender and profession.
Having appeared on Britain’s Got Talent when she was just 11 years old, Molly Rainford is no stranger to being a young contestant on a TV show, but victory would make her the youngest winner in Strictly history, with no one under the age of 23 managing to take home the crown. However, her birth month of September (three prior wins) could provide an extra spring in her quick step.
Ex-England footballer Tony Adams may have mastered the pass, but he'll need to practice his Paso Doble, as he’ll look to better fellow former footballer, Robbie Savage, in getting beyond week 10. History could repeat itself with Tony Adams as he would become the joint oldest celebrity (55) to lift the trophy.
With comedians not having much luck until Bill Bailey’s victory two series ago, his performance should give hope to this years’ crop of comedians (Jayde Adams and Ellie Taylor) that they’ll be able to turn Ha Ha into Cha Cha.
A spokesperson for BonusCodeBets said: “With 19 years of Glitterball winners to analyse, the key characteristics of a successful contestant clearly holds a bearing on who lifts the trophy at the end of the 12 weeks.
“When placing a bet on this year’s show, the historical data is well worth considering, despite the bookmaker’s predictions this year. Presenter Helen Skelton is the current favourite at 7/2, but looking back through history, punters may want to look toward Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin at 33/1 – that’s pretty good value.”
