Strictly Come Dancing / Alan Dudman / 05 November 2010 /

If the celebrity magazines are tipping her up and those who never pick up the phone in these events are bothering to support her then Ann Widdecombe is a genuine contender, says Alan Dudman.

With week five looming this Saturday, it's about time that I address the burning question: Can Ann Widdecombe seriously win Strictly? The fairly seismic shift in her price suggests she can. I advised her at [55.00], and she is now down to [10.00]. Considering the only others trading shorter than her are Scott Maslen, Matt Baker and Kara Tointon, it is only correct to treat her as a legimate contender.

Why? Well Craig Revell-Horwood made a good point on 'It Takes Two' this week, where he revealed the middle scoring dancers will always be subject to the bottom two if they haven't got a strong storyline. Widdecombe and Anton du Beke seem to have something up their sleeve every week. The aerial entrance wowed the crowd two weeks ago. Whilst last Saturday's paso (I think) had Anton flinging her around like an old sack of spuds. The audience loved it, she gets a standing ovation every dance - but her moves are rotten, like those spuds.

Two other things caught my attention. I managed a sneaky glimpse of one of those magazines that love the celebrity. It was full of praise for Ann, even suggesting she could be favourite to win it! I also spoke to a friend who told me his wife voted
for her following the paso doble. I found out she has never telephoned one of those vote lines ever before last Saturday.

The value has gone sadly on the win. It's not wise to suggest a back of [10.00] considering she has been matched for £4 at [380.00], but I think it might be time to look at her as a popular and realistic. She is as short as [3.50] now in the 'top three' market too. Which is the equivalent of my team West Ham being backed for the Champions League.

Widdecombe has the Charleston this Saturday, and another standing ovation is expected. This is the dance of comedy and routine, and if she is to eclipse her personal best score of 21 for the tango - it might just be this. It's a fun dance, with which
the annoying du Beke usually excels, although I am not a fan of his dancing.

Now on to the serious dancers.

Scott is very serious. The Eastender nearly bagged a perfect 40 last weekend, with the best dance of the series. His Viennese was out of this world, and he seems to nail every single step. Having thought the quickstep was his optimum, I can safely say last Saturday was superb. Throw any dance at him and he can do it. Judge Alesha described him as having a mesmeric effect when he hits the floor. I am looking forward to his rumba this weekend. He hit a 35 with the tango, and any score in that region makes him a big player in the top score market at [3.40].

Market rival Matt Baker has been pulling off all sorts of lifts and tricks. His Viennese waltz for this Saturday should mean less lifts, and getting back to basics. He's [3.20] for top score, and can expect no less than 33 with the twirly and twisting dance.

I was most disappointed with Pam seven days ago, although clearly the jive isn't for her. Her timing and great sense of the moves will be far better suited to the foxtrot this weekend. She is better in hold, and can get back up the leaderboard. Stephenson is around [4.20] for top score, although she's a "no bet". Kara should again score well, she has the great salsa with Artem and should go well in a fun and flirty routine. The best advice would be to split stakes on Kara and Scott for top marks.

It is time to sit out the '5th elimination' market for Saturday. Michelle Williams [2.44] and Gavin Henson [5.10] are once again primed for exit according to the market. Felicity at [5.70] isn't safe either, and she found herself in the bottom two last week. I'd like Henson to go, as the price has gone on Michelle. The Rugby star has the personality driven cha cha cha, which is worrying with no personality. And there's only so many times he can take that top off.

Suggested bets for week five:

Back Scott Maslen [3.40] and Kara Tointon [3.40] for top score.

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