Joe Calzaghe and his partner Kristina Rihanoff are the early favourites, priced at 9/2, slashed from the early odds of 16/1 before punters got stuck in. Retired boxer Calzaghe has been preparing for the show in an unusual way, deciding to go on a relaxed holiday instead of embarking on a fitness regime to get himself in shape. Calzaghe, who retired unbeaten after his fight with Roy Jones Jr. also has form in a public vote, winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2007.

The second favourite pairing of Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe are priced at 6/1 with Coral. And five-time tennis Grand Slam winner Martina Hingis looks good at 9/1. Outsider Phil Tufnell together with partner Katya Virshilas also looks worth a bet at 10/1. Tufnell has pedigree in reality television having won I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here back in 2003.

The third favourite pairing of Jade Johnson and Ian Waite are priced at 7/1 whilst Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding comes in at 9/1 with his partner Aliona Vilani. Ali Bastian who also acted in Hollyoaks appears at 12/1 while fellow soap-star Natalie Cassidy trades at 18/1. Footballer’s Wives actresses Laila Rouass and Zöe Lucker are at 14/1 and 16/1 respectively. Craig Kelly, former coronation street actor, comes in at 20/1. Sports Journalist and BBC presenter Chris Hollins is another outsider at 22/1. Retired jockey Richard Dunwoody is priced at 25/1, whilst Eastenders actor Ricky Groves is priced at 33/1. The final two contestants are Jo Wood, Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood’s ex-wife, and Loose Women panellist Lynda Bellinham who are priced at 40/1 and 50/1.

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