Strictly Ed Balls room: Former chancellor Ed to appear on Strictly Come Dancing?

The ex-shadow chancellor is rumoured to be one of the contestants who will take to the dance floor in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Labour MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield Paula Sherriff said on Twitter: “So this years must-watch has to be @bbcstrictly with the amazing @edballs strutting his stuff in sequins and false tan! When does it start?”

Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, said: “Exciting news that @edballs will be on this year’s #Strictly I hope your level of competitiveness can match your ability Ed!”

Heidi Alexander, Labour MP for Lewisham East, added: “I know it’s not the most important thing in life but if it’s true, I am SO looking forward to @edballs on Strictly.”

And Ladbrokes Politics Tweeted that the MPs’ odds were at 100/1 to win the show.

Other users of the social media site shared their views.

Rob Collingridge said: “Ed Balls doing Strictly Come Dancing is a shining light in the current political darkness.”

Sandy Cyclist said: “WARNING! Once Ed Balls in spangly Lycra is seen it cannot be unseen!”

And Shane Morgan said: “Just read that @edballs is on the next series of #Strictly ..... Yep. Because @UKLabour need more chances to look ridiculous.”

Speaking last year about a possible appearance on the TV show, Mr Balls claimed that he wasn’t “equipped” enough to take part and questioned his fitness.

But the 49-year-old, who lost his seat in last year’s general election, has now reportedly signed up for the BBC show, which returns later this year.

It would make him the first male politician to compete on the programme.

But he would follow in the footsteps of former Conservative MPs Edwina Currie and Ann Widdecombe.