Strictly Come Dancing Fans Ecstatic as Show Legend Returns and Surprises with Iconic Routine Alongside Former Pro Partner

Strictly Come Dancing fans were delighted to see Ed Balls return to the show and perform his most popular dance routine with his former professional partner during Saturday’s episode of the show.

Former Labour MP and Shadow Chancellor Ed, 56, made a surprise appearance to read the terms and conditions for viewers who were planning to vote for their favourite celebrity on this year’s series.

The politician-turned-television-presenter appeared from behind a panel of gold ribbons to make his announcement before performing some moves from his iconic Salsa routine to PSY’s Gangnam Style while his former professional partner Katya Jones, 34, joined in behind.

Ed was popular with some viewers when he was a contestant on the 2016 series of Strictly, before he was booted off, finishing in ninth place.

Fans of the BBC ballroom dance contest took to social media on Saturday after setting eyes on Ed while Katya danced in the background.

Back with a bang: Strictly Come Dancing fans were delighted to see Ed Balls return to the show and perform his most popular dance routine with his former professional partner on Saturday

Twinkle toes: Former Labour MP and Shadow Chancellor Ed, 56, performed some moves from his iconic Salsa routine to PSY’s Gangnam Style while Katya Jones, 34, joined in behind

One person tweeted: ‘Katya doing Gangnam Style behind Ed Balls reading the terms and conditions ensuring she’s on camera the whole time [laughing emojis] screaming she is so iconic I love her so much.’

Another show fan joked: ‘Has Ed Balls got a book to flog? But I am living for Katya still remembering the steps in the background.’

Someone else posted: ‘I LOVED Ed and Katya’s partnership back in 2016.’

One other show fan shared: ‘Katya and Ed Balls reunion!’

Sharing a picture of Ed and Katya dancing in 2016, someone else wrote: ‘Ed Balls on the BEEB #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly.’

While someone else commented: ‘Ed doing Gangnam Style ofc.’

‘ED BALLS IS BACK #strictly,’ wrote another viewer, while someone else remarked`; ‘Wooooo Ed Balls #strictly.’

It comes after Bobby Brazier and his partner Dianne Buswell made sure to bring the energy as they opened Saturday’s show with the Charleston to Do Your Thing by Basement Jaxx.

Rules: made a surprise appearance to read the terms and conditions for viewers who were planning to vote for their favourite celebrity on this year’s series

Delighted: Fans of the BBC ballroom dance contest took to social media on Saturday after setting eyes on Ed while Katya danced in the background

Dazzling both the audience and fans at home with their routine, the EastEnders actor, 20, lifted his partner into the air, during the ‘soulful’ dance.

Anton Du Beke said it had ‘great swivel,’ and was ‘absolutely terrific,’ but Craig noted that his expressions could have been ‘more exaggerated’.

With an eight from Anton Du Beke and sevens from the other judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse, they earned a solid 29 points, as viewers heaped praised on Bobby.

Sharing their thoughts on Twitter one person wrote: ‘Bobby really has soul when dancing and such good energy. what a breath of fresh air!’

Another added: ‘Wow what a fantastic start! Great Charleston from Bobby and Dianne. I’m betting that Bobby will be a finalist, if not the overall winner.’

Exciting: Strictly Come Dancing kicked off to a lively start on Saturday as week two of the live shows got underway

Flip: Opening the show Bobby Brazier, 20, and his partner Dianne Buswell, 34, made sure to bring the energy as they danced the Charleston to Do Your Thing by Basement Jaxx

‘Brilliant opening dance from Bobby. Love the Charleston,’ a third agreed.

Someone else added: ‘We are BIG fans of Bobby Brazier on #strictly. He’s just so guileless, positive and sweet – and such an elegant dancer. A ray of sunshine.’

One fan echoed: ‘Bobby Brazier is utterly adorable. What an absolute light of a man.’

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 7 October at 6.20pm on BBC One.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?

Angela Rippon

Age: 78

Profession: Journalist

Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’

Amanda Abbington

Age: 49

Profession: Actress

Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Age: 53

Profession: Journalist

Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’

Eddie Kadi

Age: 40

Profession: Comedian and radio presenter

Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.

Angela Scanlon

Age: 39

Profession: TV presenter

Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’

Zara McDermott

Age: 26

Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star

Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’

Adam Thomas

Age: 34

Profession: Actor and presenter

Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’

Nikita Kanda

Age: 27

Profession: Radio and TV presenter

Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’

Ellie Leach

Age: 22

Profession: Coronation Street star

Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’

Jody Cundy

Age: 44

Profession: Paralympic champion

Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’

Bobby Brazier

Age: 20

Profession: EastEnders star and model

Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’

Nigel Harman

Age: 49

Profession: Actor

Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’

Annabel Croft

Age: 57

Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player

Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’

Les Dennis

Age: 69

Profession: Actor and game show host

Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’