Strictly’s Laura Whitmore on those flirty texts from Ed Balls: ‘We’re all just good friends’

The former Shadow Chancellor reportedly sent a 'flirty' message to the TV presenter 
'Just good friends': Laura Whitmore dodges questions about Ed Balls
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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Strictly Come Dancing star Laura Whitmore dodged questions about flirty texts from Ed Balls today, saying: “Everyone loves Ed.”

The former shadow chancellor reportedly messaged Whitmore after a rehearsal injury forced her to pull out two weeks ago saying: “I’m available to rub your ankle any time.”

But the model and presenter, 31, told the Standard: “We’re all just good friends. The only Strictly curse I’ve seen so far has been on my ankle.”

Whitmore returned with dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 26, for last Saturday’s show after being given a bye to get through the previous week.

Very threw the first snowball in this year's Christmas ad wars with a large scale public screening with Laura Whitmoore

She said: “I felt worse for Gio because I was letting him down. There’s been a lot of tears but Gio is my crutch.

"At first he was frustrated I had to take so many breaks but now he knows to bring me chocolates. He shouts, ‘Laura are you in the room?’ when my mind starts to wander.”

Last dance: Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice during Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing.
PA

Balls, who is a fan favourite despite often coming bottom of the leaderboard, has spoken about feeling “excluded” when the younger contestants go clubbing after the show.

Whitmore dismissed his concerns, saying: “I’m sure that was tongue in cheek, he’s always invited but everyone goes straight to bed after filming. I sent him pictures of [positive] magazine columns. He’s proud of himself and he should be.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 - who's been eliminated so far?

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She said competing on the show was a “dream come true”, adding: “It’s my mam’s favourite. They asked me a couple of years ago but my schedule was wrong. People would pay serious money to get [this] training.”

The Irish star was speaking at the launch of Very.co.uk’s Christmas campaign on a Thames boat ride.

The online retailer started the Christmas ad war with a large scale 3D projection of their animated TV campaign on London's County Hall, the London Eye was even turned pink for the occasion.

Whitmoore joined an army of 100 Very gift givers on Westminster Bridge to hand out pink presents to passers-by and encourage them to 'get more out of giving'.

She said: “I live in a different country so [Christmas] is an opportunity to be with my loved ones. You can forget about troubles for a couple of days.”

Very.co.uk's Christmas advert airs this Saturday during ITV's X Factor. To preview head to YouTube.com/VeryNetwork

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