Strictly reject Melvin Odoom may not be in the running for the glitterball trophy anymore – but his money’s on Ed Balls to win.

Many had assumed that Ed would be the first to exit Strictly Come Dancing, but he impressed so much with his Charleston at the weekend that he secured a place for next week and DJ Melvin was sent home instead.

But although his Tango with Janette Manrara flopped on Saturday night, he has no hard feelings and is even backing Ed for the final.

I have put 50 on @edballs so we should make it back https://t.co/1OrOkKdthc

— Melvin Odoom (@Melvinodoom) October 4, 2016

Actor Ted Robbins, who presents a Sunday morning show on BBC Radio Lancashire, prompted the confession when he tweeted his congratulations to Melvin.

Fellow contestant Ore Oduba offered his commiserations to Melvin, too.

Miss you guys already!☺️ https://t.co/kQTeAEQSY0

— Melvin Odoom (@Melvinodoom) October 4, 2016

Ed and his partner Katya Jones had been popular with viewers, so were saved from facing the judges as one of the bottom two acts despite being last on the leaderboard of scores.

Melvin and Janette fought it out with Anastacia and Brendan Cole to be allowed to return next week, but as the singer couldn’t perform in the dance off due to an injury that had forced her to change her routine at the last minute, the judges reverted to viewer votes and Melvin, who had fewer than Anastacia, left.