Strictly Come Dancing shock as new celeb attracts surge of bets just days into rehearsals

Elsewhere, Matt Goss is currently the second best-backed name in the competition with 13.3 per cent of bets being in favour of the Bros singer, while 7/2 favourite, Fleur East, is third in the popularity charts with 13.1 per cent.

Alex Apati of said: "Fans and punters alike can't wait for the return of Strictly, and as things stand it's Will Mellor who'll head onto the dancefloor as the most popular pick in terms of bets placed." 

It's a busy year for Will who is said to be filming new scenes of Coronation Street as his ruthless alter ego, Harvey Gaskell.

Corrie residents have enough on their plate as it is but soap bosses always like to throw in a few more twists and turns.

Despite his character being behind bars, actor Will will reportedly be making an appearance in the Manchester-based drama.

The 46-year-old hasn't been in the show since his dramatic exit in October, 2021, but is reportedly back on the set for an upcoming storyline.

Hints and clues about the cold-hearted drug dealer will be dropped in upcoming weeks, but details of the new storyline have yet to be revealed.