Corrie star Gumede backed to ‘Bang Bang’ in Blackpool

With the news Natalie Gumede has been given the all clear by doctors to perform at the home of ballroom dancing, punters have backed the Coronation Street star in their droves, forcing Ladbrokes to cut her odds to 13/8 for the Strictly Come Dancing title.

The nation was left in shock after the 29-year-old collapsed minutes before last Saturday’s live show, forcing show bosses to confirm she and professional partner Artem Chigvinstev would not be dancing.

But after recovering to full health, the actress, who is the front-runner for glory, is ready to bounce back in Blackpool with a ‘Bang Bang’ when she dances a Charleston to the Will.I.AM hit of the same name.

Gumede could not hide her excitement on Twitter: “Thrilled to say I’ve been declared fit to dance this Saturday! Bring on Blackpool! @bbcstrictly I have rested well.”

Natalie and Artem, who have topped the leaderboard four times already and have never been outside the top two, are 7/4 with Ladbrokes to top the judges’ scores in the famous Tower Ballroom.

Her nearest rival for top spot in the ballroom capital of the world is Abbey Clancy at 2/1, while the competition’s dark horse, Susanna Reid is 5/2.

Casualty star Patrick Robinson leads the way for the guys at 5/1 after his show stopping Vegas-themed American Smooth was a hit with the judges.

At the other end of the spectrum, Mark Benton’s time in the competition could be coming to an end.

As previously mentioned by the Ladbrokes News team, the Holby City actor is performing his third successive Latin routine – a genre which does not suit the 47-year-old.

With his rivals all performing favourable dances, the 5/4 on Benton being the seventh name eliminated from the competition looks generous.

Fiona Fullerton is next in the betting for the chop at 11/8, while England rugby hero Ben Cohen is 8/1 to be tackled out of the show.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.