Strictly Come Dancing: Emily Atack Emerges As Front-Runner To Replace Jamie Laing

Ash Percival

The Inbetweeners star Emily Atack has been tipped to replace injured Jamie Laing on Strictly Come Dancing. 

The actress and presenter has emerged as the bookies favourite to take to the floor in the Made In Chelsea star’s place, after he was forced to withdraw from the show on Thursday due to injury. 

Bookmakers BetWay currently have Emily, who finished runner-up on last year’s I’m A Celebrity, listed at 9/2 to join the line-up, amid fan speculation about who will fill Jamie’s shoes. 

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Also said to be in the running are Jamie’s fellow Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, and ex-rugby turned cage fighter James Haskell. 

The pair are listed at 9/2 at 8/1 respectively. 

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Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright follow at 10/1, followed by reality star Gemma Collins at 12/1, former Great British Bake Off winner Nadyia Hussain at 14/1, while EastEnders’ Danny Dyer and TV personality Ulrika Johnson are both pegged at 16/1. 

The BBC is yet to confirm whether they will be replacing Jamie, but bosses have said to expect “further information in due course”. 

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Jamie announced he had been forced to quit the BBC series after injuring his foot during the filming of the pre-recorded launch show last week. 

He said in a statement: “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition, I was so excited to hit the dance floor! I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

Earlier this week, Jamie was pictured using crutches and sporting a “moon boot”, with The Sun reporting he “landed awkwardly” on his foot during the group number in the launch show, which was filmed last Friday night.

Jamie pulled out of the show after injuring his foot during filming

While Jamie is now out of the competition, he will still appear on Saturday’s episode, which sees the celebrities discover which professional dancer they’ll be performing with for the duration of their time on Strictly. 

It has been reported bosses will insert an interview with Jamie explaining his exit into the show.

Among the 14 other celebrities taking to the floor this year are RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, EastEnders actress Emma Barton, former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, former England goalkeeper David James and comedian Chris Ramsey. 

Strictly Come Dancing begins on Saturday at 7.10pm on BBC One.