Jacqui Smith has been given some "really good advice" from Ed Balls ahead of her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ stint.
Former Home Secretary Jacqui was announced as the twelfth and final celebrity contestant for the upcoming series of the BBC’s Latin and ballroom competition, and Ed, former Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families – who took part in the competition in 2016 – rang to give her some words of wisdom upon hearing the news.
Appearing on ‘Good Morning Britain’ on Friday (11.09.20), she said: "Ed was absolutely lovely, and he gave me a call on the day that it was announced and gave me some really good advice.
"[He said] just do your best. I think he’s absolutely right.
"What people want to see is me really trying hard, and I can promise you I will try really hard. I will rehearse really hard and I hope people will see the results of that."
Jacqui revealed the contestants will meet for the first time via an online chat on Monday (14.09.20) ahead of rehearsals and having their costumes fitted.
She added: "We are virtually meeting each other on Monday, which is lovely. And one of the other things that Ranvir [Singh] and I were talking about is, of course, we have to start getting measured up for our costumes as well."
Jacqui, 57, rounded off this year’s line-up after the likes of singer HRVY, ‘EastEnders’ actress Maisie Smith and ‘Made In Chelsea’ star Jamie Laing were confirmed.
Comedian Bill Bailey, BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo, ex-NFL star Jason Bell and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers are also set to compete in this year’s show.
And ‘Good Morning Britain’ presenter Ranvir, The Wanted singer Max George, actress Caroline Quentin, and boxer Nicola Adams, who is taking part in the first same-sex pairing on the programme, complete the line up.