I suspect I’ll make Ed Balls look good
Ballroom novice Andy Burnham ready to hit the dancefloor for hero Rob
LABOUR’S Andy Burnham fears he may have two left feet when he attempts a salsa at a Strictly-style dance contest.
The Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester is one of nine celebs taking part to raise funds for the charities of former Leeds Rhino legend Rob Burrow.
Novice Andy, 54, will strut his stuff on the hallowed floor of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on April 20.
He laughs: “I don’t want to fall over or drop my partner.
That’s my worst fear.
“My wife Marie-France laughs every time we talk about me doing this. I expect to make Ed Balls look good.”
Dad-of-three Andy says he has new respect for his former colleague and Shadow Chancellor Ed, who is now a TV presenter.
Ed’s eye-catching moves in a Gangnam Style salsa when he took part in BBC1’s Strictly in 2016 became the stuff of legend.
Andy will do the same saucy dance with pro Cara Tighe to Ricky Martin floor-filler Livin’ La Vida Loca.
LYCRA
Asked if his performance would rekindle memories of Hollywood star Fred Astaire, he jokes: “I’m more like Bez from Happy Mondays.”
Andy admits: “I’ve never danced before and if I get through the routine still standing that’s a
10 for me.” He adds: “I fully expect some humiliation, I just hope it’s not total.”
When asked how he thinks he will look in Lycra or sequins, he groans: “I’ve no idea what I’m wearing.
“Not becoming a meme on Twitter would be a victory for me. I fully expect to be bottom of the winner’s list.
“I’ve faced tough moments in my political career but this salsa is up there. I’m so far out of my comfort zone that my heart races just talking about it. I am only doing it as it is for such a good cause.”
Lifelong rugby league fan Andy was asked by dad-of-three Rob if he would take part in the event.
The former GB and England star was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019 and has since dedicated his life to raising funds to help fight the devastating condition. It causes cells in the brain and nerves to gradually stop working and is not yet curable.
Rob, 41, can no longer talk, walk or feed
I fully expect some humiliation, I just hope it’s not total
ANDY BURNHAM ON HIS SALSA ROUTINE
himself yet his brain remains as sharp as ever. And despite the huge challenges he faces every day, Rob, his family and his best mate, ex-Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and more than £8million for charity.
Some of the funds will build a centre for sufferers in Leeds. Andy says: “I have been so moved by how Rob and his loved ones have put themselves out to work for the greater good. I am more than happy to subject myself to a few minutes of humiliation for him.”
Andy will be taking on Tracy Brabin, Metro Mayor of West Yorkshire. He adds: “Tracy tells me she was a West Yorkshire Disco Champion in the 1980s, so I don’t fancy my chances.”
The Burrow Strictly Ball also stars TV presenter Sam Nixon, comedian Billy Pearce and ex-Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown.
It will be hosted by the BBC’s Sally Nugent and TV presenter and former Strictly contestant Helen Skelton. To get tickets, which cost £111.75 each, contact burrowstrictlyball@gmail.com or visit wintergardens blackpool.co.uk.