Ed Balls has joked how he dealt with the fallout from Donald Trump’s US election victory by going for salsa practice.

The Strictly Come Dancing star and former politician admitted he “used to feel guilty” about turning his attention to dance after making a huge splash when he competed on the last series of the BBC competition.

He told Radio Times magazine: “The day after Donald Trump was elected my children went to school asking ‘how could this have happened?’ And I went to do the salsa in a studio.

“On the other hand, what was interesting was how many tweets and Facebook posts there were saying at least Strictly gave them something to look forward to.”

Ed Balls
Ed Balls (Guy Levy/BBC/PA Images)

The 50-year-old, who announced this week that he will reprise his beloved Gangnam Style dance routine for one last time on Red Nose Day, said light-entertainment shows such as Strictly helped unite people.

He said: “At a time when we have had lots of big divisive political issues, we want to draw people together.

“Whether you are Labour or Conservative, Remain or Leave, you can enjoy Strictly.”

The Radio Times is on sale on Tuesday.