DWTS Preview: Marini, Rycroft Neck And Neck For Lead

Sex And The City's Gilles Marini and The Bachelor's Melissa Rycroft are the the odds-on favorites in this season's Dancing With The Stars.

Both are listed as 5-to-4 favorites by online casino Sportsbook.com, and have gained acclaim from judges and viewers each week with their slick steps.

Marini is "almost as polished as a pro," according to Detroit Free Press writer Julie Hinds. "His recent tango was so broodingly perfect, the judges seemed to wish the scoring paddles came with an 11."

Rycroft, fueled by residual sympathy from Bachelor fans after her unceremonious dumping on the show, has shown that she's a lot more than a pretty face. The dancing skills she accrued as a member of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader team are evident each week as she saunters with beauty and grace.

Rounding out the favored competitors are Olympian Shawn Johnson (3-to-2); hip-hop artist Lil' Kim (8-to-1); and country crooner Ty Murray (15-to-1).

At the other end of the spectrum, comedian David Allen Grier (50-to1) and Jackass oddity Steve-O (100-to-1) probably don't have to clear off too many more Monday nights in the coming weeks.

Dancing With The Stars airs at 8/7c tonight on ABC. (Photo: WENN)