Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has been given a huge morale boost ahead of the first live BBC Strictly show this weekend despite “fix” claims.

The actor has emerged as the bookmakers’ top pick to claim victory in the current series, which began with the pre-recorded launch show last weekend.

The actor, who portrayed Nicky Milligan in the ITV soap, joined the competition as a last-minute replacement after Game of Thrones performer Kristin Narin withdrew due to injury.

It has been revealed Mr Cope has been given odds of 5/2 according to Gambling.com’s entertainment specialist James Leyfield.

However, Mr Cope’s position as favourite comes amid controversy among viewers who have pointed out the full extent of his professional dance background.

The 30-year-old initially mentioned his West End experience in Billy Elliott during the launch programme, but some argued he appeared to minimise his competitive dance history.

Revelations about the actor’s dance career have shocked fans who discovered he reached the finals of Sky One’s Got To Dance in 2013 as part of hip-hop group Ruff Diamond, finishing as runners-up in the competition’s fourth series.

The troupe, judged by Ashley Banjo, Kimberly Wyatt and Adam Garcia, went on to represent Britain at the 2013 World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas and performed on Children in Need alongside EastEnders cast members.

The controversy surrounding Mr Cope’s participation echoes previous disputes about contestants with professional performance backgrounds.

These include Pussycat Dolls member Ashley Roberts, West End performer Layton Williams and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.

At the opposite end of the betting spectrum, Good Morning Britain’s Los Angeles correspondent Ross King faces 5/2 odds of becoming the first celebrity eliminated from the competition.

Former England rugby captain Robshaw sits at 7/2 for an early departure, whilst ex-Chelsea footballer Hasselbaink carries 6/1 odds of leaving the dancefloor soon.

Meanwhile, the competition suffered a setback on Tuesday when television personality Dani Dyer, who had been named second favourite to win by the gambling company, announced her withdrawal following an ankle fracture sustained during rehearsals.

The Love Island 2018 winner revealed she initially believed she had merely rolled her foot after falling during practice, but an MRI scan confirmed the fracture after significant swelling developed over the weekend.

“To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement,” Ms Dyer stated.

“I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.

BBC Studios Executive Producer Sarah James praised Ms Dyer’s enthusiasm and noted her partnership with professional dancer Nikita had shown exceptional promise.

“Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start,” she stated.

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“Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series.