Norwich City chairman Ed Balls shimmied down the red carpet with confidence at the Strictly Come Dancing launch show - despite being the bookies favourite to be the first to get the boot.

The Pink Un: Laura Whitmore and Ed Balls at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2016 at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Picture date: Tuesday 30th August, 2016. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire.Laura Whitmore and Ed Balls at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2016 at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Picture date: Tuesday 30th August, 2016. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire. (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

The former shadow chancellor twirled down the red carpet with Irish model Laura Whitmore as Strictly fans got a glimpse of his unique dancing skills for the first time.

The 49-year-old looked the part in a navy blue and black suit, teamed with his ballroom shoes, as he got some advice from legendary professional dancer Anton Du Beke and practised his best showbiz pout with fellow contestant Anastacia.

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Balls also attempted a bit of a routine with pro-dancer Janette Manrara which appeared to include some moves made famous by John Travolta and a bit of hip bumping.

And after witnessing his Latin moves former contestant Jeremy Vine tweeted that he is unable to wait for Balls' first dance and claimed that he owned the dance floor.

The Pink Un: Anton du Beke and Ed Balls at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2016 at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Ian West/PA Wire.Anton du Beke and Ed Balls at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2016 at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Ian West/PA Wire. (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

But despite his best efforts on the red carpet, he is favourite with the bookies to receive the boot first with the longest odds of any contestant at 66/1.

Writing on Facebook, Balls said his Waltz and Charleston are coming along but described his Cha Cha Cha as a 'nightmare'.

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He added: 'Just finished the first full day of Strictly training - eight hours rehearsing the first group dance - the professionals are brilliant and I am shattered.

'I thought running the London marathon was hard, but I don't think I have ever been so exhausted.'

The Pink Un: Ed Balls and Daisy Lowe at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2016 at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Picture date: Tuesday 30th August, 2016. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire.Ed Balls and Daisy Lowe at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2016 at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. Picture date: Tuesday 30th August, 2016. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire. (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

He will find out who his professional partner will be tonight with the launch episode airing on BBC One on Saturday.

His debut on the dance floor came just hours before Norwich City headed into transfer deadline day with boss Alex Neil stating he hoped to sign one more striker.

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'If I could do another one (striker) then definitely. If we got an opportunity to bring another one in we would try to do it,' he said. 'I don't think you can have too many centre forwards who can score goals.'

The transfer window shuts at 11pm tonight.