Strictly Come Dancing Betting: Dani The Dark Horse, Denise The Wonder Horse

A member of Steel Panther producing a non-ballroom dance move

It's week six on Strictly Come Dancing, and our resident dance expert Alan Dudman goes back to his first love - Denise Van Outen for Saturday, and highlights the outside chances of Dani Harmer. 

As I head to Betfair Towers in West London, I often pass the Hammersmith Apollo and marvel at the musical 
acts. Luckily I was working when Ed Sheeran was playing there recently, whilst the bold lettering this Wednesday simply had 'Steel Panther'. Google was speedily to the rescue. 

The heavy metal band apparently go for the jugular with their full repertoire whilst they ignite the audience - which is how those Sheeran fans must feel about the ginger haired songsmith.

This weekend is Wembley Arena weekend and a chance to dance and perform in front of 6,000 fans. Could 'Steel Panther' sell out the venue? Maybe they could, but the dancers certainly have to adopt the Panther attitude with their routines this Saturday as everyone appears to improving at a rapid rate. It's dog eat dog now (or Panther eats Panther). 

Seven days ago, the live show was a real puzzler. The erratic Richard Arnold once again survived, and wasn't even in the bottom two. Fern Britton finally disappeared, but amazingly found herself in a dance off with none other than Kimberley Walsh. Louis was my pick for top marks, and we were on - until Craig ridiculously gave him a six. Cue a judges squabble.

More on Walsh now, who should never have faced the dance off judges. Her romantic Viennese Waltz was wonderful, and perhaps the phone voters got complacent thinking she would be safe. Her bandmate Cheryl Cole was in the audience offering support, which could be the obvious answer for her perilous position. She is currently 5.609/2 for the bottom two, which surely will never happen again. 

Kimberley has the salsa this Saturday and hopefully Cheryl won't be in the front row. She obviously needs to improve her spins from the training slot this weekend, but she has the bounce for the dance easily. 

I cannot believe I deserted my beloved Denise Van Outen last weekend. She once again hit the top of the leaderboard, and it proved a costly mistake on my behalf. The professional Essex person was simply stunning again, with a brilliant Paso Doble whilst sizzling in a Shakespeare red cloak. I am rather excited this Saturday as DVO is tackling the Charleston - one of my favourites. Denise is still second favourite in the winner market at 3.45n/a, and as my ante-post pick, she is still too big. 

Her training is astonishing, she along with her partner James have got a wonderful synch together, and have the ability to dance in perfect harmony without looking at the other. This cheery, cheeky, chirpy (you get the idea) dance will be typically funny with lots of solo. I am expecting big things, maybe a 10. It's no surprise to see her trade as 1.855/6 favourite for the highest score this week. 

Louis Smith will face an American Smooth this Saturday, although there appears to be some sort of Quickstep twist to the routine (rather than a Foxtrot). He needs to improve the hold slightly, but expect nines again from the gymnast back in ballroom. He trades at 2.407/5 for highest scorer.

Michael Vaughan returns to ballroom again, so he will be happy, whilst Richard Arnold is going for the salsa. I have given up trying to predict how the TV star will perform. Luckily he has loose hips for the dance, but he is too erratic now for me to get involved. 

Nicky Byrne should produce a good jive, but he is not winner material. The singer is 15.014/1 for highest scorer this weekend, which is perhaps too big. However, he has to pass too many better performers for him to register the best marks. Although I am a big fan of his partner. 

The gimmick routine for Wembley could come from Victoria 'cry baby' Pendleton. She'll be dancing to Queen's 'Bicycle' and I get the hint there could be a two-wheeled machine coming in to play. Her 30 points from the Quickstep was rather pleasant, and she is finally enjoying herself. She is back in the Latin with a Paso, a dance requiring moodiness and stern faces - both seen when I listen to any Queen song.

The dark horse in the competition is Dani Harmer who once again produced a highly accomplished performance last Saturday. Her dramatic tango is yet another high scoring dance from the actress who can be backed at 27.026/1 in the winner market - which is far too big and represents a decent trade. Her price for top female is just as interesting at 8.6015/2. It's highly unlikely she will beat Denise Van Outen, but she might surprise Kimberley backers - which would mean a good opportunity to trade. 

Week six recommendations: 
Back Denise Van Outen for highest scorer @ 1.855/6
Back to lay Dani Harmer in winner market @ 27.0026/1
Back to lay Dani Harmer in top female market @ 8.6015/2