Strictly Come Dancing fans were divided after Balvinder Sopal became the latest celebrity to leave the show on Sunday. The EastEnders star, 47, and her professional partner Julian Callion faced their sixth dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, ultimately losing their place in the competition.
On her exit, Balvinder said: "Everyone's been brilliant. The minute you walk into this building, it's like a massive hug. Every single time. I've walked in, people have just held me and gone 'you know, you're all right', it's such a wonderful place to work."
Many viewers took to social media to praise the Suki Panesar star, with some arguing she should have stayed. One fan wrote: "Balvinder highlighted what the show is about, improving each week and when knocked down battling strong to get back up again! Balvinder and Julian Callon deserved to be in the final." Another added: "You fought so very hard and you made it so far off the back of sheer determination and strength. You broke records. You opened hearts."
Some viewers felt Amber Davies had an unfair advantage due to her musical theatre background, including West End credits in The Great Gatsby. However, Amber insisted the disciplines are worlds apart, and her friend, TikTok star Hannah Lowther, told the Mirror that dance training in drama schools is "completely different" from what is required on Strictly.
Yet not everyone agreed. One viewer commented: "I've enjoyed watching Balvinder, but it was definitely her time to go. She did well to stay in so long." Another said: "Definitely the right decision. Lovely lady and such a warrior, but she was out-danced by Amber." The final three contestants are George Clarke, Karen Carney, and Amber Davies, who will compete in the final on BBC One on Saturday.
