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Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Ed Balls survives for another week with his ‘somebody stop me’ samba
Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones during Saturday's live edition of the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing. Photo: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Norwich City chairman Ed Balls coined the Mask's famous catchphrase - 'Somebody stop me' - before stepping out on the Strictly dancefloor on Saturday night.
Ed in action (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy/PA) - Credit: PA
But it didn't seem like anyone could stop the former shadow chancellor and his professional partner Katya Jones as they embraced this week's movie theme and sailed through to the next round, avoiding the dance-off.
The pair danced the samba, with Mr Balls donning a bright yellow suit and green face paint for the routine, which some on Twitter thought could be a nod to Norwich City.
But although he might be popular with viewers, the judges gave Mr Balls just 24 points for his performance.
'You're not the best dancer, but you're definitely the most fun' said Len Goodman.
It wasn't low enough to see the duo in the dance off, however, as Tameka Empson and Laura Whitmore battled it out for their place on the show.
And it was Mrs Empson who won't be returning next week.
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There was a lot of support for Mr Balls online, with fellow Norfolk-born celebrity Caroline Flack tweeting: 'Ed Balls on Strictly is just brilliant. Well done @bbcstrictly on last nights show.....everyone absolutely smashing it.'
Labour MP Richard Burden tweeted that Mr Balls' performance was 'astonishing', adding: ' I mean... Nope, can't describe it any other way. Just astonishing. Go for it Ed!'
Former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, Lord Ashcroft, added: 'I'm getting to like @edballs ...must lie down until the feeling passes...#strictly.'
