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Perri Kiely set to make a Splash on ITV diving show

| 06.01.2014

Perri Kiely is on course to complete a rare reality TV double with victory on Splash! following his standout performance in the first semi-final of the hit ITV programme.

The 18-year-old break-dancer was the star of Saturday night’s show after completing an impressive falling-back somersault dive from the 10-metre board.

It was the highest dive by any of the celebrities competing in the series and his impressive technique was enough to convince the judges, who gave the youngster the best score of the night with 25 out of 30.

His status as favourite was secured in the public vote with Kiely finishing top of the pile and given that the dancer is now available at 1/2 to win Splash! with Ladbrokes after this impressive opening display, the time to back the smooth mover is now.

The omens certainly look good going into next week’s second semi-final, with the 18-year-old already something of a popular figure with the public having pipped Susan Boyle to the coveted Britain’s Got Talent crown back in 2009 as part of dance troupe Diversity.

Kiely also has the backing of Olympic bronze medallist and show star Tom Daley, who appeared to back the youngster to go all the way in the competition.

Speaking after the impressive initial dive, Daley explained that the dancer had “so much potential” for the rest of the competition.

“To be honest, he can do it better than me,” the 19-year-old added.

Kiely will face some really wild competition for the top spot though with Autumnwatch alumni Michaela Strachan also making the final after winning her splash-off with TOWIE’s Gemma Collins and on at a distant 20/1 to win the series.

The athletic pairing of fellow TOWIE star Dan Osborne and English rugby icon Austin Healey are available at 8/1 and 7/1 respectively to win Splash! and are arguably the biggest threat to the dancer’s hopes of winning.

But if Saturday is only a glimpse of what he can offer, expect plenty of Dive-rsity from the 18-year-old in the coming weeks.

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

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Author

Jack Beresford

Jack Beresford is a content writer with over five years of experience in writing about sport and betting, including a two-year spell with Axonn Media. Contributes articles to HereIsTheCity and Lad Bible, while previous credits include Bwin, FTB Pro, Bleacher Report and the QBE rugby. Avid follower of tennis, rugby union, motorsport and football, Jack also writes about poker for Cardspiel.com alongside Guardian journalist Dominic Wells.