Former shadow chancellor and Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls has dubbed the Cha-cha-cha a “nightmare”.

The ex-politician shared his thoughts on his official Facebook page after battling with the popular up-tempo ballroom dance after two days of rehearsals.

He wrote: “We’ve just finished Day 2 of the group dance rehearsals plus some group tuition in the basic steps. Conclusion? Waltz and Charleston coming along but CHA CHA CHA a nightmare… time for a hot bath…”

However, it all looked rather fun as he shared a snap of himself with nine of his fellow Strictly contestants.

The previous day he revealed that he had spent “eight hours rehearsing the first group dance” and added that he was “shattered”.

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

Ed, 49, was the first of 15 personalities to be revealed as contestants for the BBC programme this year.

He will be joined in the competition by pop star Will Young, model Daisy Lowe, Olympian Greg Rutherford and actresses Lesley Joseph and Tameka Empson.

Gymnast Claudia Fragapane, presenter Laura Whitmore, presenter Ore Oduba, DJ and presenter Melvin Odoom, former Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, actor Danny Mac, newsreader Naga Munchetty, reality TV’s Judge Rinder and US singer Anastacia are also contestants for the new series.