ED’S SET TO GET KIT OFF

Ex-MP’s TV deal

ED Balls is ready to strip to his undies for a new television campaign. The former Shadow Chancellor is expected to ditch his clothes for a male version of Loose Women’s Body Stories promotion. Katie Price, Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter, Linda Robson and other panellists from the ITV show all stripped off this month to encourage body confidence. Now Strictly star Ed, 50, and other male celebs, including Freddie Flintoff, Gok Wan, Spencer Matthews, Peter Andre and Larry Lamb are in talks to do the same. While his wife Labour MP Yvette Cooper is on the election trail, Ed will be flashing the flesh. We’ve been assured, just like in our mock-up photo, right, he won’t go nude. Our TV source said: “Getting Ed on board is a huge win for Loose Women and ITV. “He was the surprise hit of last year’s Strictly and it’s something people wouldn’t expect from such a well known former MP. “This campaign has the potential to be huge and will appear on billboards across the UK to promote body confidence. The idea is to encourage men of all ages, sizes and backgrounds to celebrate their bodies despite any flaws.” The Loose Women’s Body Stories, which also featured Stacey Solomon, Nadia Sawalha, Saira Khan and Andrea McLean, has been hailed a huge success. The photograph of them in swimsuits and underwear was shot by Canadian singer-turned-photographer Bryan Adams who is expected to snap the men too. Our insider added: “ITV are pumping a massive budget into this campaign and want it to be even bigger than the one with the Loose Women. “The response from viewers has been unprecedented, with thousands tweeting the show with their own body stories. “Everyone is hoping Ed Balls and the boys stripping off will raise lots of awareness about body issues and confidence.” Former Labour MP Ed proved a huge hit on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing. He eventually finished sixth, helped by his “dad dancing” and hip-thrusting. He also lost over a stone in weight during the series.