‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2016: Ed Balls First Contestant Announced In This Year’s Line-Up

This is going to be seriously good.
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The first celebrity for this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has been confirmed as Ed Balls.

The news was revealed on Chris Evans’ Radio 2 show on Monday (8 August) morning, and the former MP admitted that he’s feeling nervous ahead of the reality TV show.  

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Ed as we're used to seeing him
Lynne Cameron/PA Archive

“I’d like to say I’m just really excited about learning to dance on TV, but the truth is I’m also scared to death,” he said. “Making a speech in Parliament seems a piece of cake compared to this, but hopefully I can stick around for a couple of weeks, and have a lot of fun in the process.

“’Strictly’ is a firm favourite in our living room, and it feels like a dream to be going on myself, especially for Len’s last series. I

“I’m just hoping it doesn’t turn into a nightmare too quickly!”

This won’t be Ed’s first time at the reality TV rodeo though, as the politician recently appeared on the celebrity version of ‘Great British Bake Off’. 

The 2016 series will begin in September, and while there’s no word yet on who else will definitely be getting their dancing shoes on, other rumoured contestants include Will Young, Lesley Joseph and Laura Whitmore.

See all the celebs rumoured to be taking part below...

'Strictly Come Dancing' 2016: All The Rumoured Contestants
Robert 'Judge Rinder' Rinder(01 of12)
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A rumour we're praying is true just to see him going head to head with Craig Revel Horwood every week, the daytime staple is said to be on producers' wishlists. (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Cheryl Baker(02 of12)
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The only woman we think of when we hear 'Cheryl' and 'national treasure' in the same sentence, the former Bucks Fizz singer is said to have been courted by 'Strictly' for a number of years. (credit:Ross Gilmore via Getty Images)
Paul Burrell(03 of12)
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After appearing in the 'I'm A Celebrity' jungle and a house guest on 'Celebrity Big Brother', the former royal butler is now tipped to be giving 'Strictly' a try. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Angelica Bell(04 of12)
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According to a report from June, Angelica is the first celebrity 'confirmed' for the 'Strictly' line-up. However, given the show was still months away at that point, we'll have to wait and see. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes(05 of12)
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Eamonn and Ruth - pictured here in a rather swanky photo from the NTAs - were chosen specifically by Craig Revel Horwood as his picks for this year's line-up.

He says: 'Wouldn’t it be great to have a husband and wife team on the show? It would be fantastic. But they’d be very competitive - the arguments at home...'
(credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Debbie McGee(06 of12)
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Debbie has said she'd love to take part in 'Strictly' in memory of her late husband, Paul Daniels, who was also a past contestant. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Ryan Thomas(07 of12)
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The former 'Coronation Street' actor has a lot of time on his hands now he's bid farewell to the cobbles - sparking speculation he's about to follow in former co-star Georgia May Foote's footsteps (or should that be footesteps?) (no it should probably be footsteps). (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Tameka Empson(08 of12)
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Soap stars have become as integral a part as 'Strictly' as body glitter and Bruno Tonioli's exaggerated hand movements, so rumours of Tameka Empson's appearance could well have a grain of truth in them. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Måns Zelmerlöw(09 of12)
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Following his successful stint hosting Eurovision in 2016 (and performing a year earlier), BBC bosses were reported to be keen for Måns to appear on 'Strictly', with a source describing him as 'very good-looking' and 'eye candy'. (credit:IBL/REX/Shutterstock)
Michaela Strachan(10 of12)
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There are always a few BBC stars thrown into the mix when the 'Strictly' line-up is announced, and 'Springwatch' host Michaela is thought to be the latest. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Michelle Dockery(11 of12)
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'Strictly' bosses are said to be 'desperate' to sign up former 'Downton Abbey' actress Michelle, particularly now she's no longer associated with ITV. (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
Charlotte Crosby(12 of12)
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Possibly hoping to ride the wave that Vicky Pattison created with her 'I'm A Celebrity' appearance, Charlotte is now hoping she can turn things around for herself with a stint on 'Strictly'.

She's even encouraged her fans to set up a petition on Twitter for the BBC to consider her for the show.
(credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)