The race for the Glitterball Trophy is intensifying on Strictly Come Dancing, but one contestant is scripting a story that could redefine the show's history. Against all expectations, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal has battled her way into the quarter-finals, setting the stage for a potential upset that bookmakers believe would be unprecedented.
From Dance-Off Danger to Quarter-Final Contender
The latest casualty in the high-stakes competition was actress Alex Kingston, who was eliminated following the results show on Sunday, 1st December 2025. Kingston found herself at the bottom of the leaderboard after a routine marred by errors, landing her in the dreaded dance-off against the seemingly ever-present Balvinder Sopal.
In a now-familiar turn of events, the judges chose to save Balvinder, marking the fifth time the 46-year-old soap star has survived the dance-off this series. Despite being a perennial favourite with bookmakers to be voted out almost every weekend, Sopal has consistently defied the odds, earning her place in the next round through a combination of judges' saves and public support.
Bookies Brace for a Strictly Earthquake
This relentless survival has now positioned Balvinder Sopal as a potential history-maker. According to leading bookmaker Ladbrokes, her odds of winning the entire competition currently stand at a staggering 200/1. Yet, her remarkable journey has prompted speculation that she could pull off the biggest shock in Strictly's long history.
"Balvinder has ripped up the rule book up to this point in the series," said Ladbrokes spokesperson Alex Apati. "Having made it this far, a few punters are starting to think she could well make Strictly history over the next few weeks."
The current favourite remains George Clarke at 4/6, followed closely by Karen Carney at 7/4. Emmerdale's Lewis Cope is at 8/1, while West End star Amber Davies trails at 50/1.
Sopal Breaks Her Silence on Record-Breaking Run
Following her latest escape, Balvinder Sopal took to Instagram to thank her supporters and reflect on her extraordinary journey to the quarter-finals. She acknowledged her unique record, having been saved from the dance-off five times.
"Thank you for all your votes," she wrote. "I know we've ended up in the dance off 5 times, been saved (thankfully), come back fighting, and set a new record in the process. But, your investment in us means more than anything in the world."
The actress, who celebrates her birthday this week, expressed humility and joy, calling the experience a "dream" and highlighting her partnership with professional dancer Jules. She noted that as she has spent so little time in the Clauditorium due to frequent dance-offs, viewers may not know her well outside of her role in EastEnders.
As the competition enters its most critical phase, all eyes will be on whether Balvinder Sopal's incredible streak of survival can transform into a fairytale victory, potentially delivering the most unexpected conclusion in Strictly Come Dancing history. The show continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
