Dr Punam Krishan has been dealt a blow just hours before the eagerly awaited Strictly Come Dancing Halloween special kicks off.
The odds from bookies are not in favour of Gorka Marquez and his dance partner, Punam, suggesting they’re most likely to be given the boot.
Chad Yeomans, a spokesperson for Betway, stated: “This Halloween-themed weekend, Dr. Punam Krishan could be in for a real fright as she is the 2/1 favourite to waltz off the show for good. The Glasgow-born GP is set to perform a spine-chilling Tango to ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics, but she’ll need a good week in rehearsals to avoid a nightmare on the dance floor,” as reported by the Express.
“Closely following the potential scare for Punam is ex-Olympian Sam Quek, who lurks at 3/1 as the second favourite to be eliminated this Sunday. Pete Wicks and Shayne Ward are also skating on thin ice, positioned closely in the forecast for a final curtain call on the show.”
Despite evading the dance-off until now, last week’s performance by Punam and Gorka garnered a mixed bag of remarks from judges. Craig Revel Horwood was notably underwhelmed, characterising her routine as “a bit too social.”
In response to audience disapproval, he elaborated: “It was like you were going for a stroll in the park without a care in the world.”
He added: “It lacked musicality, it lacked energy in the body. I mean, when you did the Indian dance, which was fantastic, it is the same amount of energy you have to have in your body for this particular dance.”
Craig expressed his admiration for Punam’s compelling portrayal, commending the “truth” she delivered in her role.
Last weekend, Paul Merson left the show following a dance-off against JB Gill. Reflecting on his time on the show with host Tess Daly, Paul said, “It’s been really good. For anybody I talk to, I would say you’ve got to go on this show.
“It’s amazing – everybody. There’s a Tottenham fan over there called Lincoln, and he’s nice!”
In further comments, he paid homage to his dance partner Karen Hauer: “It’s been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I’ve had a great teacher. She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t wish for a better coach.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. I can dance now – I’ve won because I can dance, I couldn’t dance before and I can half dance now. It’s a bonus, absolute bonus.”
Karen also expressed her gratitude, saying: “Absolutely, you’ve been a joy. I’ve never giggled this much. My abs are really tight now. I am so proud of you. Every week you have shown up, you have improved.
“You’re what Strictly is about, and I want to thank you for bringing such joy and just showing everyone that it is possible with a little bit of work and lots of giggles.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.25pm on BBC One.