Toyah Willcox ended up being placed last in the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard last Saturday, but sadly it seems there could be further bad news in store for the singer-songwriter.
The 66-year-old made her dancefloor debut last weekend alongside professional star Neil Jones, and the pair will be returning to screens for tomorrow’s live show.
Willcox took to the floor with a tango, and while she gave it her all, the judges awarded the couple a score of only 12.
While she will no doubt be hoping to improve on last week’s score, betting company William Hill have placed Willcox as the favourite for the first elimination this week.
She has current odds of 11/8 to be the first celebrity sent packing from the competition, with former footballer Paul Merson just behind her as second favourite to go with 6/5.
The two famous faces are heavily predicted to be the duo in the dreaded dance-off at 1/3, with Willcox and Nick Knowles the next most likely duo at 11/10 and Merson and Knowles with odds of 11/8.
William Hill William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, commented: “Toyah Willcox’s opening Tango was among the lowest-scoring in Strictly history so it’s no surprise that she finds herself top of our market to be the first eliminated this weekend at 11/8.
“The singer was 8/1 before she took to the dancefloor last weekend but her first routine fell flat and it will take a much improved effort if she is to make it through to week three, while Paul Merson’s price for elimination has lengthened to 9/4 from 6/5 following his opening dance.
“However, both Toyah and Paul are heavy favourites to face each other in the dance-off this weekend at 1/3, with Toyah and Nick Knowles the next most likely at 11/10.”
It seems Willcox is taking the low scores from week one in her stride though, with the actress addressing the judges’ criticisms on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two earlier this week.
Host Janette Menrara pointed out during the chat show: “The judges were really critical of the routine, you seem to have handled it really graciously.”
“There’s no point being defensive, these are world professionals,” Willcox explained.
She added: “And they know what they’re talking about – but I’m dancing with one of the best people in the world!”
Jones went on to confess: “She actually turned around to me and said, ‘It’s all true.’ I was like, ‘Don’t let them hear that though – keep that to yourself!'”
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“At least you are taking it on board,” Manara responded. During the show, she revealed Willcox and Jones would be dancing the jive next week to Nutbush City Limits by Ike and Tina Turner.
Jones has pointed out how the jive is his favourite dance, adding yet more pressure to Willcox.
“On Saturday, it will happen,” Jones assured the actress as he discussed her showing off her improved dance moves.
