Soap stars have been all the rage with punters ahead of this year's show 
 
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV screens tonight and, judging by the early betting activity, Gary Lucy and Hayley Tamaddon look the two to watch out for.

Emmerdale actress Hayley was the first to catch the attention of punters after performing well in practice and is a proven reality TV performer after being a runner-up in ITV's Soapstar Superstar and winning Soapstar Superchef.

According to the contest's official website, the 32-year-old's strategy for the show 'is based on being competitive and giving 110 per cent', and she is 7/2 at best with Betfred.

However, in the last few days it is The Bill star Gary who has been the big market mover, being cut to a top-priced 11/4 favourite with the same firm.

We can only presume the 28-year-old has also shone in training and he does have a successful partner in Maria Filippov, who went a long way with Duncan James and Gareth Gates before winning with Ray Quinn last year.

When the celebrities were first revealed before Christmas, former Holby City actor Jeremy Sheffield was a firm favourite for success but he has drifted out to 12/1 with Betfred.

The 43-year-old was fancied to do well based on being a classically-trained ballet dancer until injury cut short that career, but after admitting he has never even seen this show his support has dwindled.

Coronation Street's Danny Young and Boyzone singer Mikey Graham are both available at 8/1 with the North-West firm, while Hollyoaks bad boy Kieron Richardson is a 10/1 chance.
Former Olympic gold medal winner Sharon Davies has bookmakers in a bit of a swim as she has been backed into 10/1 with Betfred but can still be backed at 20/1 with bet365.

For those who want to hedge their bets, it is 8/13 at Betfred for a male to prevail and 5/4 for a female to come out on top.