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Strictly Come Dancing has been shaken up just days before the quarter-final, with a major frontrunner losing his grip on the Glitterball race. GeorgeClarke, who had dominated the betting markets for weeks, has now been knocked off the top spot - a dramatic swing that comes at the worst possible moment as the pressure ramps up on the ballroom floor. According to new markets created by Gambling.com, who specialise in comparing and ranking online gambling sites, entertainment expert James Leyfield claims former England international Karen Carney has surged past George to become the new favourite.

It marks a significant shift in momentum at a crucial stage of the competition, spelling a potential setback for George as he prepares for Saturday's live show. Karen didn't enjoy the smoothest ride during the Instant Dance challenge, managing just a single point after she and her partner had 10 seconds to react to a randomly drawn routine from earlier in the series.

But her performance later in the night flipped her fortunes. She stormed back with a 40-point Couple's Choice to Lady Gaga's Born This Way, a routine that has clearly impressed both judges and bookmakers.

Just a fortnight ago, Karen was priced at 9/1 for the Strictly crown. That quickly fell to 5/1 - and now she's the overwhelming favourite at 8/13, making her the one to beat as the quarter-final looms.

George, meanwhile, has seen his odds drift for the first time in weeks. He went into last weekend as a commanding 10/11 favourite, but his 34-point Quickstep appears to have cooled punters' confidence.

He now sits at 5/2. Still, experts are warning viewers not to write him off. As Leyfield notes, George "shouldn't be dismissed just yet," with several celebrities in past seasons having rebounded from similar dips.

Another shifting name in the market is Lewis, who was 11/2 earlier last week but has drifted to 8/1 with most bookmakers.

Though some still have him as short as 4/1, suggesting there's value for those who believe he can mount a late surge.

Away from the favourites, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal made Strictly history last weekend, becoming the first contestant ever to survive five dance-offs in a single series after beating Alex Kingston.

But history may not save her for long. Balvinder is once again odds-on to go, priced at 2/9 to be eliminated on Sunday.

Amber follows at 11/2, despite scoring a perfect 40 last weekend - yet her chances of winning have drifted dramatically to 66/1.

Balvinder now sits at a distant 250/1 to lift the Glitterball. The question is whether she can survive yet another tense dance-off, or whether the run of her life is finally nearing its end.

Strictly's quarter-final is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable of the series - and if this week's betting shake-up is any indication, the Glitterball race is wide open.