BBC Strictly Come Dancing in 'fix' row as judges predict winner of 2024 series

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been branded as having an 'unfair advantage'

Strictly Come Dancing is facing a fresh 'fix' controversy after EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was tipped for Glitterball Trophy success. The 30-year-old, who appears as Jay Brown on Albert Square, became a talking point following last night's show where dressed as Elton John and complete with feather boa, his quickstep wowed the judges.

However, this has led some viewers to suggest Jamie may have had an edge, based on his previous win during the Strictly Christmas Special with a similarly stunning quickstep. Garnering an impressive score of 30 from the judging panel for his performance to Elton John's "I'm Still Standing", Jamie received high praise, especially from Anton Du Beke, who remarked: "You know you really are a super super dancer. I think you could be one of the favourites to lift the trophy to be quite honest with you. I think you are an exceptional talent."

Motsi Mabuse agreed, saying: "Yes, Anton, I think the Glitterball is quite close to you! " Host Tess Daly acknowledged the significance of the judges' comments in support of Jamie's standing in the competition by saying: "Thank you judges. Two out of four mentioned the Glitterball... that's big news! ".

Jamie attempted to downplay the comments and emphasised that it's too soon to consider himself a contender. He remarked: "It's a bit too early to be mentioning the Glitterball, but nonetheless, I appreciate everything they say."

Social media users were quick to suggest Jamie had an 'unfair advantage', with one voicing their disapproval on Twitter: "The judges mentioning the glitterball after Jamie's quickstep, the dance that won him the Christmas special last year. If that's not a coincidence I don't know what is," reports the Mirror.

Additionally, Jamie has quashed rumours of succumbing to the so-called Strictly curse, confidently stating "nobody has to worry". Despite viewers picking up on a spark between the EastEnders actor and professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas, he clarified there's no romantic interest, explaining to The Mirror with a chuckle: "The idea of that whole Strictly curse, well it's definitely not going to be a thing here because it would be weird doing that with my sister. Michelle and I met before Strictly and we instantly had a connection. But she is like a sister, an aunt, a mum, a best friend. She's looking after me, she's mothering me."