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Balls in his court

Ed Balls in advanced talks to appear on Strictly Come Dancing UK tour with ‘desperate’ BBC bosses

The ex-MP is keen to appear in live shows but is negotiating his fee with Beeb bigwigs who will reportedly pay thousands extra to have him on the bill

Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones

ED Balls is in advanced talks to appear on the Strictly Come Dancing tour from which he is set to earn tens of thousands of pounds.

The former MP, 49, is currently negotiating his place in the live shows that will be staged across the country in January.

Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones
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BBC bosses are keen to sign ex-MP Ed Balls up to do Strictly Come Dancing tourCredit: PA:Press Association

Bosses have been desperate to add him to the bill due to his huge Saturday night ratings hit and are willing to pay him thousands extra to sell out the venues.

An insider revealed: “Ed wants to be on the tour and is currently negotiating his price. He has loved his Strictly experience and would like it to continue.

Ed Balls on Strictly
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The bosses are reportedly offering Ed thousands extra to do the live showsCredit: BBC Handout

“He’s entertained the nation with his routines and played along with it. Everyone’s seen a different side to him and he’s gone from getting no votes as a politician to the nation backing him week after week.

“Ed’s looking at his diary because he also has lecture commitments and other work to do, but everyone’s hopeful he will sign up.”

Ed Balls on Strictly
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Ed's dad-dancing has made him a firm favourite on Strictly

Daisy Lowe, Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp have all be confirmed for the 10th anniversary tour.

They are also set to be joined by Ore Oduba and Judge Rinder, although they have not officially confirmed yet.

 Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton
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Louise Redknapp (pictured), Daisy Lowe and Danny Mac have all confirmed they will appear on the tourCredit: PA:Press Association
Len Goodman
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The live shows will be a final goodbye to judge Len Goodman, who will be leaving the show at the end of the seriesCredit: WENN

The tour will be a swan song to Len Goodman, who will be joined on the judging panel by Craig Revel Horwood and 2006 pro dancer winner Karen Hardy.

The Sun has already revealed how BBC bosses want them to train up Karen as Len’s replacement on Strictly and are treating it as her audition.

The tour kicks off in Birmingham on January 20 and visits Newcastle, Sheffield, Glasgow, Nottingham, Leeds, Liverpool and London.

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