Could Julian be the Dancing Queen?

Comedian Julian Clary, surprise star of Strictly Come Dancing, admits he is no Fred Astaire, and today BBC bosses dubbed him "a terrible dancer". Yet tomorrow night the camp comedian who began his career as a singing telegram stands a chance of winning.

He is already the top male competitor, having seen off the likes of athlete Roger Black.

It was confirmed today that more than a million people voted each week throughout the series. Up to 2.5 million more are expected to vote tomorrow.

Many of Clary's fans have voted up to 100 times in a single evening and William Hill has been rapidly shortening his odds as the series has progressed.

Less than two weeks ago, Clary's odds stood at 40-1. Today, he is second favourite to scoop the prize at 11-2. The bookmakers believe Jill Halfpenny may pip him and have set her odds at 1-5.

Athlete Denise Lewis is rank outsider at 13-2.

A spokesman for William Hill said: "Considering he's got two left feet, it's astonishing he's in front of Denise Lewis.

"It seems that he has the strongest fan base. There's every chance their campaign may turn the odds around."

Support for Clary is being whipped up in internet chat rooms and fan sites with many contributors pledging to vote "as many times as necessary" to ensure their man wins.

One of Clary's committed fans, Susan Sherrington, 39, admits having repeatedly voted. She said: "I dread to think what my phone bill's going to look like. I just think Julian's really good, he's gained so much confidence since the start."

Calls to the show cost 25p and profits are to be donated to Children In Need. So far, more than £500,000 has been raised.

A BBC spokesman said: "Julian is a terrible dancer but this show was never a talent contest, it is about who the viewers want.

"With all the profits going to charity there is no way we are going to discourage voting as many times as people want."

Clary, 45, was voted through to the final last week, despite the worst marks from the judges. As Aled Jones was ejected, a bemused Clary was heard muttering to himself: "It's not right, it's not right."

His partner Erin Boag said today: "Of course he's not, technically, the best dancer but he's in the final because of the entertainment he brings to the show and because people can see how hard he's been trying.