Talent show record makes Shayne Ward early Dancing On Ice fancy

Beth Tweddle’s gymnastics background is the logical reason why she is the favourite to win the eighth series of Dancing On Ice, but the sensible early money may be on Shayne Ward.

Tweddle is the 3/1 favourite and there are clearly some traits that should translate from gymnastics to ice dancing, namely good balance and co-ordination.

Meanwhile, the fact that she has Dan Whiston has her partner is a positive.

However, Tweddle admits that she is not a natural dancer and backing anyone at 3/1 before there is any proof that they are any good is potentially a dangerous strategy.

In terms of proven ability, Lauren Goodger has stated that she could regularly be seen on the ice rinks of Essex in her younger days and this could give her an advantage over the competition.

She is worthy of consideration at 8/1.

But the early preference is for Shayne Ward at 7/1, particularly given the past record of celebrities who found fame through a singing talent show.

Suzanne Shaw and Ray Quinn have both won Dancing On Ice, while Chico made the final three last year and Gareth Gates the semi finals.

Furthermore, Ward has been paired with Maria Filippov, who incidentally also partnered Quinn to his victory and Gates.

Filippov has reached three finals in six years and is due another strong run, given that she has not really had a chance of doing too well of late with Craig McLachlan and Andy Akinwolere.

Soap stars tend to perform well on the show with a performance background and it is former Eastenders actor Matt Lapinskas that is also prominent in the early betting at 7/2.

Tweddle is not the only Olympian taking part as gold medal-winning boxer Luke Campbell is 7/1, while former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas is 12/1 to follow in the footsteps of fellow rugby player Kyran Bracken, who won the second series of Dancing On Ice.

The big name in the line-up is Pamela Anderson and she is another available at 12/1.

Full betting
Beth Tweddle 3/1
Matt Lapinskas 7/2
Luke Campbell 7/1
Samia Ghadie 7/1
Shane Ward 7/1
Lauren Goodger 8/1
Pamela Anderson 12/1
Gareth Thomas12/1
Joe Pasquale 12/1
Anthea Turner 14/1
Keith Chegwin 16/1
Oona King 20/1

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date