As former Labour Shadow Councillor Ed Balls is unveiled as the first Strictly Come Dancing contestant of 2016 we've done some digging to find out what code name he's been going by.

Ad

Ballroom bosses do the same each year, giving each contestant a funky new name in the hope of keeping their part in the show under wraps.

Last year it was Disney characters. They get cabs booked under these names, rehearsals, medicals etc. OK, so it didn't exactly work with Balls. His name was leaked already. But he's still had a pretty cool name: Cicero.

Yes, this year's Strictly code names will be using a William Shakespeare theme, and Balls was given the name of the Roman politician in Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar.

It's a fitting one for ex-MP Balls, of course. As well as politics, Cicero boasted skills as a philosopher, lawyer, orator, political theorist... before meeting his end following the fall of his political master.

As the contestants continue to be unveiled, we're sure to get our Romeo and a Juliet. Although, we do feel for whoever gets Bottom...

Ad

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC1 later this year

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

Ad
Ad
Ad
Create an image depicting a festive scene with elements from the top Christmas songs, such as a snowy New York for 'Fairytale of New York', a cozy home setting for 'Last Christmas', and a glamorous Christmas party for 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. Include musical notes and festive decorations to represent the spirit of these iconic Christmas songs.

RT offer

Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

hello
An image depicting a festive scene with iconic Christmas elements such as a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with twinkling lights, snow gently falling, and perhaps a cozy fireplace in the background. The image should capture the essence of popular Christmas songs, with musical notes and lyrics subtly included in the design, representing a playlist of classic Christmas tunes.

summer

Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

More