'Strictly Come Dancing': Ed Balls Danced The Charleston And It Was Everything You Could Hope For And More

TV highlight of 2016.

When it was announced Ed Balls would be doing the Charleston on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, it’s fair to say we were excited. 

However, we don’t think anything could have prepared us for what actually happened on Saturday (1 October) night’s show. 

The former Labour MP’s routine was everything we’d hoped for, and more. 

It really does have to be seen to be believed (you can watch it in the video above), but let’s just say Ed gave it his ALL, and there was also a banjo involved. 

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Ed Balls' Charleston was the highlight of Saturday's 'Strictly'
BBC

Sadly though, the judges were not as impressed, with Craig Revel Horwood scoring Ed and his partner Katya Jones just three out of 10. 

The dance scored an overall mark of 23 out of a possible 40, which was the second lowest score of the evening. 

Anastacia received the honour of scoring the least, after her salsa to Fleur East’s ‘Sax’ fell flat due to an injury the singer was battling. 

Unfortunately for Ed though, he was placed at the bottom of the leaderboard, as the scores were also combined with last week’s, in preparation for the first elimination on Sunday’s show. 

Elsewhere, three couples managed to score an impressive 32 points for their dances. 

Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse’s Waltz to INXS’ ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ impressed, as did Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton’s Vienese Waltz to K.D. Lang’s ‘Hallelujah’, while Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice’s Waltz to Alicia Keys’ ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ was also awarded the same score. 

One couple will leave the competition during Sunday’s results show, airing at 7.15pm on BBC One. 

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