BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 surprise winner 'revealed' as bookies react to impressive training

Gladiators star Montell Douglas has had her odds of lifting the Strictly glitterball slashed after impressing during training.

The 38-year-old former athlete has emerged with a decent shot of the title after insiders said she looked “very comfortable” on the dance floor.

Montell starred as Fire in the BBC One reboot of Gladiators and is paired with pro dancer Johannes Radebe. Strictly executives now believe they could go all the way to the final.

READ MORE: I’m a shopping expert and here’s ten gifts I’m tipping to be huge this Christmas

Viewers got a glimpse of her on the launch show when she was introduced to Johannes, with many remarking that she looked like a natural. After that appearance, her odds of winning were slashed to 8/1.

A spokesman for Oddschecker said: “Following Saturday’s launch, Montell has become a surprise favourite among those betting on Strictly. Since the show aired, she has received 21% of all bets in the winner market, a significant leap from 1% before Saturday.”

Montell also competed as an Olympic bobsledder and Team GB sprinter, winning a Commonwealth Gold in the 4x100m relay in 2010.

Singer JB Gill is the 7/2 favourite to win the show, with Love Island ’s Tasha Ghouri at 11/2.

Montell has said of the show: “Strictly, are you ready? Fire is here to light up the ballroom. I can’t wait to get started.

“Hopefully, a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the tango or paso doble.”

READ MORE: Elizabeth Arden's retinol cream delivers Botox-like results, claims delighted user