Strictly Come Dancing viewers have labelled TV’s Brian Conley as “this year’s Ed Balls” following his first performance on the show.

He joined partner Amy Dowden as the pair became the second to take to the stage in Saturday night’s opening show of the BBC One competition.

But while their steamy tango to Heaven 17 hit Temptation was praised by the panel for its drama, his technique after two weeks of training failed to impress and was branded “poor” by judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Alex Davenport commented on Twitter: “Think #Brian will be this years #Ed #strictly”.

Andrew James Sillett teased: “”Okay, Brian, just do Ed Balls’ Mask dance but in red.” #Strictly.”

While other show fans shared their appreciation of his “lovely” attitude and “good effort” despite the lacking skills, Kath Cartmell wrote: “oh bless needs a bit of work”.

While Conley dazzled in his dapper hat and sparkling red shoes, he earned scores of three, two fours and a five.

But new head judge Shirley Ballas, who handed him one of the fours, assured him that she saw “plenty of room for growth”.