Strictly Come Second? Research suggests the bookies' favourite Pixie Lott may fail to win despite her consistent high scores

PUBLISHED: 09:59, 6 December 2014 | UPDATED: 10:21, 6 December 2014

Pixie Lott has been the favourite to win after constantly topping the Strictly Come Dancing leader board in the past few weeks.

But new research suggests that the highest-scoring celebrities on the dancing competition aren't guaranteed to claim to covered glitterball trophy.

According to analysis done by the Radio Times, only a quarter of the show’s 20-highest scoring stars have actually been crowned champions at the end of the series.

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Not set in stone? New research suggests that the highest-scoring celebrities on the dancing competition aren't guaranteed to claim to covered glitterball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing

After tallying up the judges’ scores and working out overall averages, it was revealed that Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede is officially the best contestant to have danced on the show.

However, while she has the top average of 36.9, the soap star found herself in second place during the 2013 series losing out to Abbey Clancy.

Coming in second on total scores was Alesha Dixon with an average of 36.5 and the former singer managed to claim victory at the end of her time on the reality contest in 2007.

Second best: It was revealed that Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede is officially the best contestant to have danced on the show. However, while she has the top average of 36.9, the soap star found herself in second place during the 2013 series losing out to Abbey Clancy

Famous victory: Coming in second on total scores was Alesha Dixon with an average of 36.5 and the former singer managed to claim victory at the end of her time on the reality contest in 2007

Former Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle came in joint third with S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens with an average score of 35.8.

Ricky was named runner-up in the 2009 series while Rachel was also runner up the year before that.

The only star from this year’s crop to make the Top 20 list is pop star Pixie who just made the cut at number 19.

Odds are not in her favour: The only star from this year’s crop to make the Top 20 list is pop star Pixie Lott who just made the cut at number 19

Watch and see: Pixie will continue her battle against the likes of presenter Caroline Flack, EastEnders star Jack Wood, The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge and Blue singer Simon Webbe as the show continues on BBC One on Saturday evening

Show expert and Radio Times feedback editor Jane Hill said: ‘The joy of Strictly is that it’s both a test of technical skill and a human story. “We get to know the celebrities, share their struggles and setbacks and cheer on their progress.

‘The judges’ average scores are a very good reflection of the dancers’ expertise over the course of the series – but the winner is ultimately chosen by the public.’

Pixie will continue her battle against the likes of presenter Caroline Flack, EastEnders star Jack Wood, The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge and Blue singer Simon Webbe as the show continues on BBC One on Saturday evening.

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