Strictly’s Anton du Beke says partner Jacqui Smith is better dancer than political predecessor Ed Balls
STRICTLY’S Anton du Beke says struggling partner Jacqui Smith is more than a step ahead of political predecessor Ed Balls.
Jacqui is the bookies’ hot favourite to be sent home from the BBC1 show this weekend, with odds as short as 4/7.
NFL player Jason Bell, the next tipped to go, is priced at a huge 5/1.
Politicians including Balls, 53, and Ann Widdecombe, 73, have been mocked for their dancing ability in previous series — yet managed to last until the latter stages.
But when asked how good Jacqui, 57, is, Anton said: “On a scale of Ann Widdecombe to Ed Balls, she’s Ginger Rogers compared to those two! She’s an absolute beauty.”
Jacqui pointed out: “I’m not going to be rude to either of my former parliamentary colleagues who both did splendidly. But I suppose what I have learned from them is, go for it. And hopefully I will add, with the help of Anton, just a smidgen of finesse.”
BILL BEARS HIS CROSS
BILL Bailey gets a helping hand with his posture thanks to a wooden cross strapped to his back and arms.
The comedian, 55, showed off the device as he rehearsed with Oti Mabuse, 30.
Bill and Oti, who won with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 36, last year, dance the quickstep tonight. He told The Graham Norton Show last night: “It feels like I’m on a different planet and I absolutely love it.”
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Bookie Ladbrokes revealed yesterday that 63 per cent of all bets on the series were on Jacqui to get the boot.
But the former Labour Home Secretary says she has lots of friends who she hopes will “help to maximise my votes in the count”.
She added: “I really don’t want to be the first out.”
HAIR’S MY NEW LOOK
STRICTLY pro Neil Jones, proudly shows fans his “Village People” moustache.
It was one of several styles of facial hair grown by the dancer for a razor company. After posting his whiskers on Instagram, he explained: “I wanted to try new looks.
“It’s been years since I last shaved but it was time to let my face breathe again.” Neil, 38, is a back-up dancer after being snubbed by Strictly bosses. Hair today...
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