Brendan Cole is surprisingly giving the boys the edge on taking home Strictly Come Dancing's mirrorball trophy this year.
Even though Brendan is competing himself with celebrity partner Anastacia, he hinted to Digital Spy in a world exclusive chat that Danny Mac, Melvin Odoom, Will Young and the rest of the guys will be tough to beat.
(Melvin Odoom and Janette Manrara)
"There are some very strong boys this year! Very strong," he told us. "I don't want to offend people I don't mention. I'm making a generalisation here but with a show like Strictly, it's generally women who pick up the phone and vote.
"Who do you think they are picking up the phone and voting for? For the men they are falling in love with! Look at Jay McGuiness last year. A nice boy, he had that humble side to him. Women love that stuff! They eat it up! I'm sorry if I've offended anyone who doesn't feel that way.
"There are some great fellas this year. Everyone has gelled and it feels like a good family. Long may it last! I'm throwing it out there but some of the boys may have the edge this year!"
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Brendan is even fond of this year's clear underdog Ed Balls - although he hasn't quite settled on one of Strictly's patented nicknames for the former Shadow Chancellor just yet.
Related: Brendan Cole DENIES feuding with Anton du Beke over Strictly judge job
"There have been a few [nicknames] thrown around. Ed Balls Of Fire," he teased, adding more seriously: "[Ed] is really nice.
"He wasn't wearing any sparkles to start with. They get you eventually, so you may as well go with it from the start."
Brendan is also hopeful that landing Ed Balls on Strictly will open the door for even more prominent politicians. Perhaps even Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn?
Related: Brendan Cole isn't keen on Arlene Phillips returning to Strictly Come Dancing
"I'm not sure he has got the dancing goods. I'm not sure he is ready for the new age clothing either. Sorry Mr Corbyn," he joked.
"You are more likely to get someone like Cherie Blair. I know she loves it. I have spoken to her about it.
"She watches the show so you are more likely to get someone like Mrs Cameron maybe. I quite like her. I like her style. She would be great. I'm not sure we will get any of the top brass though."
Strictly Come Dancing kicks off its new series with a two-night premiere on Friday (September 23) and Saturday (September 24) airing on BBC One.
Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
