Ed Balls lands at the bottom of the Strictly leaderboard after dismal waltz

ED Balls found himself at the bottom of the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard after failing to impress the judges with his waltz.

The former Labour shadow chancellor scored a mere 21 points from the judges after dancing to Elvis Presley's Are You Lonesome Tonight?

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After finishing the routine, a dejected looking Ed told host Tess Daly he had performed the dance better, saying: "I’m relieved, it was fun,  I think I was better in rehearsal but it was great."

While he looked dapper in his suit, the 49-year-old struggled to set the dancefloor alight or impress the judges, who gave him fives and sixes.

Craig Revel Horwood said: "I thought it was a little ex-council and pedestrian if I’m being honest.

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"Also need some rise and fall in there darling. You need to get up on the balls of your feet and as that’s your last name that should remind you."

The judge also critiqued his hand shaping and how he went horribly wrong at the beginning before adding: "Better luck next time darling."

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However Darcey Bussell was a little more encouraging, saying: "The nerves when you first come on this dancefloor, I had them too when I first danced.

"Don’t worry, you’ve ticked it off, there were glimmers of a nice elegant gentleman there.

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"Think of a narrative to give you direction and feeling, and build on that character and you’ll be fine."

Len Goodman was also encouraging, adding: "Out of the shadow cabinet and into the dancing spotlight.

"You for me, you’re what Strictly is about, someone who doesn’t dance and comes out...nice hold, moves around the floor...I was pleasantly surprised."

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Bruno Toniolo was last to critique Ed, making a political pun by saying: "Surprisingly conservative.

"It was very prim and proper, tried to place it well. Overall very politically correct."

Meanwhile at the other end of the leaderboard, Daisy Lowe found herself at the top with 32 points with her waltz.