He's back! Ed Balls confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing tour's visit to Leeds

The former Morley and Outwood MP has been announced as one of the famous names who will be taking part in the TV programme’s live tour early next year.

It will visit 10 venues nationwide – including Leeds’s First Direct Arena on February 2 and 3.

And Ed today told audiences to expect more of the sort of whole-hearted routines that saw him dubbed the Strictly people’s champion, despite the repeated low marks he was given by the show’s judges.

He said: “My time on Strictly has been incredible. I’ve been overwhelmed by the huge support I’ve had from the public voting for me.

“Going on tour is going to be another first for me and I plan to give it everything I’ve got for the audiences around the country.”

Ed went out of Strictly last weekend after dancing the tango to the Rolling Stones classic (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

He also memorably performed routines to Great Balls of Fire, Holding Out For a Hero and Gangnam Style during previous weeks.

Speaking after being voted off, the former shadow chancellor said: “The most important thing for me was to always leave on a high, not on a low.

“I so enjoyed myself and got so much further than I ever thought I could and I am going out on a high.”

Sports presenter Ore Oduba and actress Lesley Joseph have also just been confirmed to appear on the tour.

They will join previously-announced participants Louise Redknapp, Danny Mac and Daisy Lowe.

The tour will be hosted by former Strictly contestant Anita Rani while its judging panel will be made up of Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Karen Hardy.

Tickets for the show’s visit to Leeds are on sale now. For further information, go to the www.firstdirectarena.com website or ring 0844 248 1585.