'He's not there as a joke': Strictly's Danny Mac sticks up for 'fantastic' Ed Balls after scoring a perfect 40 for his Charleston
He scored the first 40 of the series as Strictly Come Dancing visited Blackpool on Saturday.
And Danny Mac, 28, paid a trip to the This Morning studio on Monday following his triumphant performance in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The actor was nothing but humble as he told Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that he's never felt safe following his performances on the show.
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King of the dance hall: Danny Mac, 28, paid a visit to the This Morning studio on Monday following his triumphant performance in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom
He was also full or praise for Ed Balls and refused to say he was more likely to win the show than the politician.
'That guy's fantastic,' said Danny. 'You're not going to turn off because Ed Balls is dancing.
'It's a show where the audience vote. I've never once felt safe in that elimination show.
Riding high: Danny scored the first 40 of the series as Strictly Come Dancing visited Blackpool on Saturday
One week at a time: The actor was nothing but humble as he told Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that he's never felt safe following his performances on the show
Furry friend: Dog lover Danny gave guide dog Luna a hug
'There's more to the show than being the best dancer. He's going out there getting his steps right, dancing in time and entertaining people. He puts in the effort. He's not there as a joke, he 's there because he's putting in the effort.'
The star is set to marry his fiancée Carley Stenson next year but insisted his primary focus is remaining on Strictly.
He explained: 'We set up a lot just before this for next year so that was handy. At the minute we are just focused on staying on Strictly for as long as possible.'
Humble: Danny was also full or praise for Ed Balls and refused to say he was more likely to win the show than the politician
The right time: The star admitted that he had previously been unsure of doing Strictly due to concerns about opening himself up to judgment from the audience
Sending his best: Danny wished pro dancer Gorka Marquez well, after reports the Spaniard was viciously assaulted at the weekend following filming
The star admitted that he had previously been unsure of doing Strictly due to concerns about opening himself up to judgment from the audience.
He said: 'There's a whole other side to Strictly... being yourself. The audience have to take to you, you have to be yourself. I've never done that.
'I had left the show (Hollyoaks). I had just got engaged and I thought, do you know what, I need to broaden my horizons and be more open-minded about my career.
Firt things first: The star is set to marry his fiancée Carley Stenson next year but insisted his primary focus is remaining on Strictly
Facing his fear: Danny said being scared of doing the show spurred him on to sign up
'If I'm that scared of doing it then that's a reason to do it. I'm a perfectionist. I want to do as good as I can, but the pressure is amazing out there.'
Danny also wished pro dancer Gorka Marquez well, after reports the Spaniard was viciously assaulted at the weekend following filming.
Meanwhile, fans of Ed, 49, have rallied around the unlikely ballroom hero, willing him on to the win the glitterball trophy.
Following his mesmerising performance to Great Balls of Fire on Saturday night, fans flocked to Twitter to encourage Ed to continue.
Dark horse: Fans of former politician Ed Balls have rallied around the unlikely ballroom hero, willing him on to the win the glitterball trophy
One gushed: 'Congratulations to @edballs and @Mrs_katjones for getting through to another week of @bbcstrictly I hope you both Win!.'
Another said: 'This @bbcstrictly fan doesn't want him to quit. Carry on Ed and win it! Power to the peepleeeee! #StrictlyComeDancing #ballstoblackpool'
A third enthused: 'I am so glad Ed Balls is still in strictly. He should win just for that Gangnam Style routine! #edballsoffire #Strictly'
Fan favourite: Ed's become a dark horse for the Strictly Come Dancing crown following week after week of wacky routines
It's widely acknowledged that Ed is nowhere near the strongest dancer left in the competition, but some claim his determination and effort are enough to see him win.
'I want Ed Balls to win,' wrote one fan, 'because he's the only one who's put 100% in every week & got better as the contest has gone on...'
Another said: 'Ed Balls on Strictly - a practical demonstration of democracy in action-the experts don't choose and the technically best don't always win'
Supportive: Following his mesmerising performance to Great Balls of Fire on Saturday night, fans flocked to Twitter to encourage Ed to continue
Showstopping: Ed stole the show in Blackpool as he descended from the heavens playing Great Balls Of Fire on a piano crowned with flame
Ed stole the show in Blackpool as he descended from the heavens playing Great Balls Of Fire on a piano crowned with flame.
The spectacle of Balls playing the Jerry Lee Lewis classic marked the landmark moment the hapless politician and his partner Katya Jones reached the crucial Blackpool stage of the competition.
At the start of the series, the pair were greeted with ridicule when they announced they wanted to dance at the world capital of ballroom dancing. But now, in week nine, Balls is one of the seven stars left from the original 15 to have made the lavish final rounds at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Raging: However, not everyone is enamoured with Ed's extravagant performances, with a number of viewers claiming thew show is fixed to keep him in.
Craig Revel Horwood even said it was entirely possible that Balls could win the glitterball trophy.
However, not everyone is enamoured with Ed's extravagant performances, with a number of viewers claiming thew show is fixed to keep him in.
'wtf....what a fix,' raged one, following Sunday's results show, 'how the hell can Greg and Claudia be rated worse than Ed Balls. Sorry lost a viewer here I've had it.'
Another asked: 'I dare you to show the Public how Ed Balls remains in this completion. He IS the worse dancer without doubt! Is this showa (sic) fix?'
A third vented: 'So Ed Balls is still on Strictly, and Honey G is still on X Factor.. it's either a massive fix, or the people voting are f***ing stupid.'
While a fourth exclaimed: 'without doubt this show is about tv ratings NOT the dancing. Ed balls still In?TOTAL FIX! #Lasttimeiwatchstrictly'
Dancing to the final: Craig Revel Horwood even said it was entirely possible that Balls could even win the glitterball trophy
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