Watch: Ed Balls punched by Chris Eubank Jr live on air

Former shadow chancellor braced for 20 seconds of body hits armed only with protected belt

As a former Labour heavyweight, Ed Balls is no stranger to having a fight on his hands.
But little in his political career could have prepared him to be punched repeatedly in the stomach by Chris Eubank Jr.
The former shadow chancellor took the pummelling from the former super-middleweight boxing world champion as he presented Good Morning Britain on Wednesday.
Susanna Reid, the ITV show’s co-host, gasped “my goodness” as Mr Balls – dubbed the “British bruiser” in the skit – was tested to see if he could survive 20 seconds of body punches.
Mr Balls, 57, was wearing a protective belt throughout the sparring session with the boxing champion – who, at 34, is 23 years his junior.
Wearing a white shirt and tie, Mr Balls at one point exclaimed: “That was too low.”
After the fight, the pair shared a hug.
“I can’t speak very well at the moment,” Mr Balls said.
Eubank Jr was interviewed ahead of his first fight since July 2023, against Kamil Szeremeta, the former world-title challenger, in October.
Eubank Jr admitted after that he did not hit as hard as possible, saying: “I mean, I’m not going to kill the guy on national TV.”
He is the son of Chris Eubank, 58, who is also a former world champion.