Who will win Strictly Come Dancing 2019? Predict the winner

Telegraph Reporters

Sat, November 2, 2019 at 1:04 PM UTC

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 17th series - WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.

Prepare those opinions on everything from why the Rumba is the most difficult dance to score a perfect 40 on to whether the Cha-Cha-Cha is is really that hard to get right. Yes, Strictly is back and, following Joe Sugg’s crowd-pleasing turn last year, the BBC has doubled down on the youth vote with this year’s dancers including YouTuber Saffron Barker, Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin and CBBC Presenter Karim Zeroual.

Older viewers will at least recognise former England goalkeeper David James, who admits he’s not a natural dancer. He’s joined in the "may well have two left feet" group by self-confessed "dad dancer" and Olympic gold medal winning rower James Cracknell, Paralympic table tennis player Will Bayley who’s “only ever danced in clubs where my friends tell me I’m awful” and BBC Breakfast’s sports correspondent Mike Bushell.

Possible dark horses include Emma Thynn, Vicountess of Weymouth and England footballer-turned-TV-presenter Alex Scott. Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing had to withdraw from the competition two days before the Launch Show due to a foot injury sustained while filming the show. His replacement, Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher, looks like he could ruffle a few feathers.

Meanwhile, the big news from the judge’s table is that the Darcey Bussell is replaced by Motsi Mabuse, sister of the delightful pro dancer Oti, who will still compete on the show.

But who is your money on? Who's your favourite Strictly contestant of 2019? And who do you think will eventually lift the glitterball trophy. Cast your vote here with our handy predictor tool:

The Strictly Come Dancing weekly live shows will start from Saturday 21 September