Strictly Come Dancing has returned to our screens for its 19th series, and the pairs have all been matched up.

The question might be raised for excited viewers about who would be the early favourite for winning the whole competition.

At the moment the favourite of the bookies is EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.

However, analysis from Bookmakers.tv have said that CCBC presenter Rhys Stephenson is most likely to take home the Glitterball trophy based on analysis of past winners.

Their research of the previous 18 series revealed that TV presenters have danced their way to victory more than any other profession, with it happening on six separate occasions.

Stacey Dooley, Ore Oduba and Natasha Kaplinksy are some of those to have done this.

This is followed by actors (five wins), with musicians and sportspeople each managing three.

Of the current year’s line-up Rhys Stephenson best fits the bill for attributes of a successful Strictly contestant.

He ticks the boxes for gender and profession, and is only four years younger than the ideal age at 27-years-old.

Dan Walker is also in with a shout of glory, but at 44 years old, the BBC newsreader is less likely to be victorious than his younger counterpart.
Last year’s winner, Bill Bailey, became the oldest champion ever at 55 years of age, increasing the average winner’s age by four years.

He also became the first-ever Comedian to win the show, which might give hope for the likes of Judi Love and Robert Webb.

A spokesperson for Bookmakers.tv said: “With 19 years of Strictly Come Dancing to look back on, we analysed the previous winners to look at characteristics seeing who is most likely to win this year’s show according to our research.

“History tells us that the two most likely professions to take the crown or tiara are presenters and actors. Rhys Stephenson is such a similar fit to the average strictly winner profile, and at third favourite, he could be well worth a punt.”