Balvinder Sopal, known for her role in EastEnders, has pulled out of the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing live tour after sustaining an injury, the BBC has confirmed. The decision comes after the actress faced four dance-offs during the main series, ultimately finishing in sixth place.
Sopal's journey on the show was marked by resilience, with many viewers and critics noting that she often outperformed other contestants who avoided the bottom two. Her Argentine Tango in Blackpool was widely praised, featuring a spectacular lift that was considered one of the most difficult of the night.
The actress had previously dedicated her Couple's Choice routine to her late mother, earning a score of 34, her highest of the series. Despite her strong performances, she consistently failed to secure enough public votes to avoid the dance-off.
Her withdrawal from the tour follows that of fellow contestant La Voix, who also left due to injury. The tour will now proceed with the remaining cast members, including finalists and other popular contestants from the series.
Fans have expressed disappointment at Sopal's exit, with many taking to social media to praise her contributions to the show. The BBC has not yet announced whether a replacement will be added to the tour lineup.
