Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Ed Balls received his highest score for Beatles quickstep

The former Shadow Chancellor was praised for being light on his feet
Highest score: Ed Balls received his best marks yet for his Strictly quickstep
BBC
Ben Travis6 November 2016

Ed Balls might not be the most natural dancer on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing – but he just received his best score yet.

The former Shadow Chancellor was praised by the judges on the BBC ballroom show, receiving 27 points for his light-footed quickstep.

Dancing to The Beatles’ classic hit Help!, Balls and partner Katya Jones performed a routine inspired by Lauren and Hardy.

“That was great slapstick,” beamed judge Darcey Bussell. “For a quickstep to have that narrative, it was really clever and it really suited you.

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“When you travelled, the lightness in your feet… that was not what I was expecting!”

Len Goodman praised the “fun and entertainment” of the dance, adding: “You need a bit of help with your footwork and a bit of help with your posture.”

Bruno Tonioli called it “a recognisable quickstep”, and said: “You actually put a lot of work into that dance and it’s worth it, it really is.”

Even Craig Revel Horwood was impressed.

“I can’t believe I’m actually saying this. You’re actually improving – it was brilliant to see.”

While the dance was Balls’ highest overall score, his highest individual score was an eight from Bruno for last week’s Halloween cha-cha-cha.

BBC One, 6.55pm

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