Ed Balls leaves Strictly

Sadly Ed Balls is the tenth celebrity to hand in his dancing shoes and bid farewell to Strictly 2016. Ed’s Strictly journey was packed with memorable moments, from descending from the ceiling in Blackpool to Psy-ching up for a Gangnam Style-Salsa, and his final performance was no exception.

Channelling Derek Zoolander, the Strictly star treated us to a (blue) steely Tango to the Rolling Stones classic “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Unfortunately this wasn’t enough to save Ed from the Dance Off, as following a sixth place performance in the Cha Cha Challenge, he found himself alongside Judge Rinder and his partner Oksana in the bottom two.

After each couple performed their routines for a second time, Tess asked the Judges, based on the Dance Off alone, who they wanted to save.

Craig confessed to having enjoyed Ed’s dances over the series, but found Judge Rinder and Oksana the more polished of the two couples. “On a more technical performance, I would like to save Judge Rinder and Oksana,” he said.

Darcey chose to save Judge Rinder too, also citing “their better technical ability” as the reason.

Bruno was frank but fair. “I have to choose the better dancers,” he explained. “Judge Rinder and Oksana.”

Len backed up his fellow judges, announcing: “I agree with my colleagues.”

Ed had nothing but appreciation for his Strictly experience, telling Tess: “If people watching have had half the fun I’ve had learning to dance with Katya, then they must have had a complete blast because it’s been such a fabulous thing. The judges, all the supporters, the make-up team, the wardrobe, in particular that band are the best in the world. It’s just wonderful.”

Speaking about his partner Katya, Ed said “She is just the best there is. Absolutely amazing. She is utterly brilliant. And to all the people who have kept me in this long, thank you very much I’m very grateful, I’ve had a wonderful time.”

Katya clearly felt the same way. “There is so much I would like to say to you,” she said. “I absolutely love this man, it’s my first series and I couldn’t have wished for better.”

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