Ed Balls and Katya Jones recall ‘horribly wrong’ lift in Strictly 20th special

Celebrity competitors from the BBC One show have reunited with their professional dance partners for an anniversary programme.

By contributor By Hannah Roberts, PA Entertainment Reporter

Published Dec 18, 2024

Last updated Jan 30

Ed Balls and Katya Jones (BBC Studios/PA)

Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls and dancer Katya Jones have recalled a Strictly Come Dancing lift that went “horribly wrong” for a special episode celebrating 20 years of the show.

Celebrity competitors from the BBC One show have reunited with their professional dance partners for the programme, airing on Saturday.

Among the former contestants who feature are tennis coach Judy Murray and her dance partner Anton Du Beke, comedian Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse, and singer Fleur East and Vito Coppola.

Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse (BBC Studios/PA)

Also on the show are two couples who formed relationships from their partnerships; internet personality Joe Sugg and dancer Dianne Buswell, and TV presenter Stacey Dooley and her former dance partner Kevin Clifton.