‘Favourites’ to win Strictly this year revealed as two stars ‘are seen as the ones to beat’ after first rehearsal

THE Strictly Come Dancing celebs reckon Delta Goodrem and Lacey Turner are favourites to win this year’s series. Sources tell The Sun Australian singer Delta, 41, and actress Lacey, 38, wowed fellow contestants in the first group rehearsal last week. Australian star Delta Goodrem is one of the early favourites to win the next series of Strictly Credit: Mark Cant EastEnders actress Lacey Turner is also seen as another frontrunner in the BBC ballroom competition Credit: Getty Delta, who wore a bright blue dress for a new photoshoot for Hunger Magazine, insists she is no pro when it comes to dancing, but loves to show off her moves. Lacey, who became a household name playing Stacey Slater on EastEnders, is also seen as another frontrunner in the BBC ballroom competition after a quality waltz impressed onlookers. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Meanwhile, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, 25, is said to have stood out among the fellas in a gruelling session. A source said: “Delta and Lacey are already being seen as the ones to beat. “Lacey’s moves were really tight in rehearsals, her waltz especially impressed. “Delta also just naturally has rhythm and stage presence. In the dance studio, she just had this aura about her. “When it comes to the boys, Cach also impressed everyone. “Even the fittest of stars found the next day that they ached in places they didn’t know they could ache.” Most read in TV Delta, who has sold nine million records since her debut single I Don’t Care in 2001, told Hunger Magazine that she “cannot wait” to get started. She said: “I get to be surrounded by music, get to be dancing. I definitely have some butterflies about stepping into that ballroom. “I wouldn’t classify myself as top of the list as a dancer, but I would say I love to dance. “I’m just going to give it a go and give it my best. “You get to learn. I like learning, so I’m happy to jump in and learn from these great dancers.” The Sun understands that this year’s pairings have already been picked by producers, but the stars are being kept in the dark. Ahead of the big reveal, they will be split into smaller groups of four and made to dance again before being paired up on camera. Fans can see that on Saturday, September 19, in a pre-recorded launch show. The opening live show is on September 26, with the first dance-off on October 4. Comment now