Show rival reveals ropey dancer Ed Balls has secret past as a ballroom dancing competition veteran
Olympic champion Greg Rutherford says fellow Strictly competitor has had dance training
DODGY mover Ed Balls has had secret lessons, a Strictly rival has let slip.
The former MP has been widely mocked for his unsophisticated moves – likened to hapless Office character David Brent – on Strictly.
In fact, 49-year-old Ed entered ballroom dance contests as a student at university.
And Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford, 29, revealed: “The word on the street is that Ed has had dance training as well.
“He’s keeping it quiet but I think he’s going to surprise us. I’m not saying he was in Cats The Musical in his twenties or anything but he’s not a complete novice.”
Greg’s professional partner Natalie Lowe, 36, added: “I’ve heard he knows his ballroom a little bit . . . he’s not David Brent in the ballroom. Greg is one of the few people this series who’s had zero dance training.”
Last night Ed and dance pro Katya Jones, 27, performed a waltz to Elvis Presley’s Are You Lonesome Tonight.
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Ed admitted his Strictly stint will humiliate his loved ones, including wife Yvette Cooper.
He said: “I know I am going to embarrass my family on this show, but that’s part of the point.
“I realised in the group dance on the launch show that I’m more of a dad dancer than even I thought.
"But dads are supposed to be a bit embarrassing.
“I’m hoping that when I dance, middle-aged men and women across the country will see some of their moves in me. But I’m going to try my best to do it properly.