Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood has named Will Mellor as an early contender for this year's competition.
The actor – who played Gaz Wilkinson in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Harvey Gaskell in Coronation Street and Jambo Bolton in Hollyoaks – was the first celebrity confirmed to appear in the Strictly ballroom earlier in the month.
Ahead of the series launch, longtime judge Craig was asked by The One Show's Alex Jones and Ronan Keating who might be an early frontrunner for Glitterball glory.
Related: Strictly's Bruno Tonioli explains why return to show is 'impossible'
"Who's going to win it? I don't know," he laughed. "I'm looking forward to seeing Will, I've got to say. I think he's got a real charm about him and I think he'll be able to bring that onto the dancefloor."
Craig went on to tell the presenters: "I haven't seen anybody dance, but I just love the plethora of characters in there, because they're all so different and I think that's what's great about it.
"Four new pro dancers as well coming in, which'll be great, and they're amazing. So of course I can't wait. Of course I'm going to miss our old lot as well, and Bruno [Tonioli], but you know, things move on darling. I think it's important.
"The energy this year is something fierce."
Related: Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood calls for transgender representation in future seasons
Kym Marsh, Jayde Adams, Kaye Adams, Richie Anderson, Ellie Simmonds, DJ Tyler West, Matt Goss, Ellie Taylor, Molly Rainford, Tony Adams, Fleur East, Hamza Yassin, James Bye, Helen Skelton or Will – who's your money on?
Strictly Come Dancing makes its grand return to BBC One on Saturday, September 17.
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