Great balls of fire! Ed Balls is now one of the 'favourites' to win Strictly Come Dancing

Ed Balls is now among the 'favourites' to win Strictly Come Dancing after a blazing rendition to Jerry Lee Lewis' Great Balls Of Fire last night (19 November), claim bookmakers.

The former Labour MP for Morley and Outwood, who served as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer until a resounding loss to a Conservative majority in last year's general election, has certainly proved an unexpected success on the dancing contest – winning over the public with his attitude and humour, despite displaying questionable dancing skills.

And now it seems Saturday's Blackpool performance, which saw Balls lower to the stage on a fire-laden platform while playing the piano, has placed the 49-year-old among the top contenders to win hit BBC show.

Exclusive odds revealed to IBTimes UK by Paddy Power place Balls at just 10/1 to shake, rattle and roll his way to victory, sharply contrasting his position as a 66/1 rank outsider at the start of the competition.

The turnaround is sure to strengthen Balls' cult status, also famed for accidentally tweeting his name on 28 April 2011, a day since referred to as Ed Balls Day.

Speaking of the new odds, Paddy Power spokesman Lee Price said: "Let's be honest, we all thought Ed would balls up Strictly when he was announced.

"But now it looks like 'Ed Balls Day' may well come around twice this year should win the Strictly final.

"Over the last two weeks, his odds have been halved twice to become one of the favourites. Before this weekend, he was into 16/1.

"After last night's performance, they were slashed again and he's now 10/1 joint third favourite to be elected king of the dance floor.

"His dad dancing might be the best thing he's ever done, apart from tweeting his own name".

The two hopefuls standing in the way of Balls and feet-tapping glory are actor Danny Mac on 10/11 and former pop star Louise Redknapp at 11/5.