Brexit means Brexit, Labour coups and all other political chatter came to a halt on Saturday night as MPs and commentators united to watch former shadow chancellor Ed Balls make his debut on Strictly Come Dancing.
The ex-Labour MP said he was “madly disappointed” with his waltz to Elvis Presley’s Are You Lonesome Tonight which left him bottom of the leaderboard.
But the political world saw things differently with those from the left and right uniting in their praise for the Labour man.
Now seen @edballs on #Strictly. Filled with admiration: the only civilian amongst all these actors/singers/gymnasts. Full marks for bravery
— Jonathan Freedland (@Freedland) September 24, 2016
Well done @edballs – dancing #StrictlyComeDancing is a big deal – true bravery from my political nemesis
— Guy Opperman MP (@GuyOpperman) September 24, 2016
Even Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson was full of praise.
There is a tiny bit of this Scottish Tory household which is forever Balls. Well done, sir. #Strictly @edballs
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) September 24, 2016
Wouldn't politics be better if all the men wore crystal-covered suits like that? #Strictly
— Helen Lewis (@helenlewis) September 24, 2016
And he also has fans in Labour MPs David Lammy and Jess Phillips.
Ed Balls – Saving the best till last! #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 24, 2016
Watching Ed Balls starting the #BallstoBlackpool campaign #strictly
— Jess Phillips MP (@jessphillips) September 24, 2016
Although a few people couldn’t help but make some political puns including Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli who called Ed’s performance “surprisingly conservative” and “politically correct”.
With 21 points, @edballs is the highest polling Labour politician #Strictly #Lab16
— David Talbot (@_DaveTalbot) September 24, 2016
Bad scores from the judges for Ed Balls, but thanks to block support from the unions he is declared this week's winner #Strictly
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) September 24, 2016
And those at the Labour party conference even managed to watch Ed in action, including his wife Yvette Cooper.
Tom Watson says the NEC was 'refreshingly short' because they all wanted to go and watch @edballs on Strictly pic.twitter.com/1LCrVIa7v8
— Sam Lister (@sam_lister_) September 24, 2016
We've found a big screen to watch it on….. #Strictly pic.twitter.com/iv5Hq1kWgI
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) September 24, 2016
Great to be with so many friends supporting @edballs #Strictly https://t.co/0ubllcPeHX
— Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) September 24, 2016
