Ed Balls thinks he needs to improve his fitness to cope with the demands of 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Ed Balls

Ed Balls

The 49-year-old politician - who scored just 16 points for his routine last weekend - will dance the American Smooth on Saturday (22.10.16) and is expecting his professional partner Katya Jones to put him through his paces.

He tweeted: "Back to training again today - we are doing American Smooth this week - I'm expecting @Mrs_katjones to toughen up the fitness regime (sic)"

After his poor score on the show, Ed was very grateful for the support of his fans as their votes kept him out of the bottom two at the weekend.

He tweeted: "Huge thanks to everyone who voted for us - without you we would be out - but instead (with Madness) we're dancing into next week ! (sic)"

Ed previously challenged Lord Alan Sugar to show off his dance moves after the 'Apprentice' star expressed his shock that the politician had made it past the first week of the show.

Alan tweeted: "I can't believe Ed Balls has survived the first week of @bbcstrictly"

Ed replied: "I reckon you'd be much better at the Charleston than me, Alan..."

Ed's tweet caught the eye of 'Good Morning Britain' host Piers Morgan - who has an ongoing Twitter feud with Alan.

Piers wrote: "The Charlatan more like.

You were superb @edballs - giving all we dreadful but determined dad dancers a good name."

And Ed jokingly replied: "Cheers Piers - I did it for you ! - though I'm sure in his mind's eye that Alan is better than both of us."

The former shadow chancellor has also won praise from an unlikely source - members of the conservative party.

Ex-justice secretary Michael Gove joked: "Delighted for @edballs - a labour victory we can all celebrate."

And even Prime Minister Theresa May has said she is backing the Labour politician to win the show.

Asked by MailOnline who she is backing to take the glitterball trophy, she said: "Ed Balls... of course."

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