Strictly Come Dancing champion Jay McGuiness believes Ed Balls could follow in the dancing footsteps of fan favourite Jeremy Vine.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood compared Vine to “a stork that had been struck by lightning” during last year’s competition, but the radio presenter was able to remain in the show until week eight by mobilising public support.
McGuiness, who lifted the glitterball trophy in December, said former shadow chancellor Balls could be in with a chance.
Appearing on Loose Women, he explained: “Well, you remember Jeremy Vine? He wasn’t in any way trained or anything like that, and people loved him and he went so far.
“So I think if people fall in love with his personality … ”
He added: “If he just goes out and has fun, then that’s pretty important.”
McGuiness, who appeared on the Strictly launch show on Saturday alongside Aliona Vilani for a special performance of their Pulp Fiction-inspired jive, admitted that returning to the dance floor was a struggle.
“It was a shock doing Strictly on the weekend with the launch show,” he said.
“I was out of shape.”
But he and Vilani are getting back up to scratch as they begin a run of performances as part of the Keep Dancing Tour, alongside past Strictly stars including Louis Smith and Lisa Riley.
McGuiness explained: “I’m getting there again, you know? I’m in the swing of it.”
He also revealed he has his eye on contestants Naga Munchetty and Melvin Odoom for this year’s edition of the BBC One show.
“I think Naga is going to be awesome, and I think Melvin and Janette (Manrara) are going to be a really cool couple to watch,” he said.