Prepare to be amazed – Ed Balls has shocked the nation with a Charleston that was actually pretty good.

The politician was widely expected to be this year’s John Sergeant or Ann Widdecombe on Strictly Come Dancing, but he hasn’t listened to the naysayers and has actually been nowhere near as awful on the dancefloor as people had feared.

Ed and Katya impressed last week, too (BBC)

At the show’s launch, he said the dance he was most hoping to learn was the Charleston, so Ed grabbed his chance to flap while he still could, before the first public vote this weekend.

People decided Ed had done a pretty good job.

That was just brilliant! Can't believe what I just watched #EdBalls on #StrictlyComeDancing #edballsday

— Jacqueline Kweka (@jacquekweka) October 1, 2016

Watching @edballs dance the charleston on #StrictlyComeDancing is the highlight of my week. #goEd #loveit

— Abby (@Abby8080) October 1, 2016

While Ed’s Labour colleague was impressed…

Well done @edballs that was a very energetic and very very entertaining Charleston! #StrictlyComeDancing

— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) October 1, 2016

…it wasn’t just his fans who thought he’d done well. Even George Osborne had to pass him a compliment.

Come on @edballs!

— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) October 1, 2016

And others weren’t too proud to say well done either.

#StrictlyComeDancing. Not a big fan , but I reckon Ed was OK. Credit where it's due.

— Alfred Dewsbury (@alfdewsbury) October 1, 2016

No matter what your political standing, you gotta give it to Ed Balls😂💃🏻👏🏻 #StrictlyComeDancing

— Rhi Rhi (@RhiannonBerri) October 1, 2016

Could we actually be seeing a contender for the glitterball trophy?

I have to say, I'm quite impressed by @edballs on #StrictlyComeDancing lol. That outfit was tremendous too.

— Shingy Wan (@shingywan) October 1, 2016

Who would've thought it! @edballs has some moves! #StrictlyComeDancing

— Josh Bishop (@Joshy_Bish) October 1, 2016

Bloody Hell Balls pulling it off!!! #SCD2016 #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #funkychicken

— TEG. (@Gr33nw00d) October 1, 2016

I'm really routing for Ed Balls 💃🏻#StrictlyComeDancing

— Danni (@Danni_johnson1) October 1, 2016

Didn't see that coming!!! @edballs you were brilliant!!! #StrictlyComeDancing

— Sarah (@sarahforr) October 1, 2016