Perhaps the most amazing thing about this year's SCD is Ed Balls and the fickle hand of fate. Had things gone a bit differently Mr Balls would have been the current chancellor. Had Labour won the Election he'd be the second most important man in British politics! But he's doing SCD instead.

And something unusual for him, he has had people voting for him!

And being rather more successful..............

People cheered when he lost his seat. He probably can't believe how popular he is now

He shouldn't feel too pleased with himself, many vote for the "comedy character" every year, they really don't care who it is. He should just think about those who've been selected for the same role before him.

People should suspend their biases against a person during the show. I don't know what kind of politician he has been (and I don't care). In terms of the show, he's doing what true contestants should really do - give their all - and show their enjoyment at their new-found talent.

I think he's doing great! He might not win the trophy - but I'm loving his efforts each week, and I loved his routine on last night's show!

Except unlike most of the comedy contestants he's actually improving each week, has done a variety of styles competently and is managing to actually have some rhythm.

It's still little more than "Dad Dancing."

In the dance-off with anyone and he'll be out.

and liking him!!!

No he is way better than that. He may be outclassed by the others but he is significantly better than the average UK middle aged male.

Things went badly for labour because of the 2 Eds at the helm, so he was never going to be chancellor.

Edmazing

I am trying to dance along wityh this so called salsa and my legs keep cha charing!!

Whoops sorry that ended up in the wrong thread.

It's a shame Strictly season doesn't include 28th April. I'll just leave this here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Balls#Ed_Balls_Day

Blimey!

He's been Photoshopped.

Since joining SCD Ed has demonstrated a certain star quality that has clearly resonated with the public, an adoration which was certainly not evident during his time as a politican,

If he'd kept his seat, he might be leader of the opposition instead.

I can say with some certainty, that if in 2016 Ed Balls was leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn wouldn't have been invited on Strictly instead

I don't reckon most Dads could do a quickstep as good as he did.

Now I don"t agree with his politics at all but I still think he is doing a great job and improving every week.

He may be "improving" but it's still a pain to watch. He's the worst dancer, so it's only the public keeping him in. Many are still at the "bloody minded" stage.

His Paso and whatever dance he danced the week after were painful to watch but the rest of his dances have been a joy. He's light on his feet, fantastic rhythm and sense of timing and I love his dances when they work, and Katya's choreography is brilliant. The show wanted him to b the "joke" contestant, but actually he is too good to be the joke, they don't really have one this year. Not ones in the realm of Anne Widdicombe, Nancy Delolio, Hairy Biker Dude, Craig Kelly, just to name a few off the top of my head. They were truly dreadful!