Norwich City chairman Ed Balls' energetic Charleston earned a standing ovation from the Strictly Come Dancing studio audience - as well as praise from across the political spectrum.

Eastern Daily Press: Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones during Saturday's live edition of the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing. Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire.Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones during Saturday's live edition of the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing. Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire.

The ex-Labour chancellor, who was born in Norwich and initially educated at Bawburgh, was bottom of the BBC show's leaderboard heading into week two, but his barnstorming dance to The Banjo's Back In Town was heralded as a 'comeback that Tony Blair would be proud of' by judge Bruno Tonioli.

One surprised fan was Mr Balls' former opposite number George Osborne, who tweeted: 'Come on @edballs!'

Meanwhile, Labour MP Liz Kendal posted: 'Go go go @edballs !! Fab performance, gave it loads of welly, love the jazz hands too! £glitterballs #scd #craigiswrong'.

Mr Balls, whose wife and Labour MP Yvette Cooper was in the audience, was given another cheer when he hit back at head judge Len Goodman's remarks that he had 'gone to the country before and didn't do very well'. Balls snapped back: 'We did win three elections.'

Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood said the performance had an 'air of desperation'.

Tied at the top of the leaderboard after two weeks are former Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp, partnered with Oti Mabuse and Kevin Clifton respectively.

In joint fourth is early betting favourite Will Young, who appeared to pull a muscle during his jive to Rock Around The Clock.

Last night, Melvin Odoom was the first celebrity to be voted out. The presenter and DJ and his professional dance partner Janette Manrara received the fewest votes from viewers.

Mr Odoom said the experience had been 'a blessing' despite his early departure.