EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal was overcome with emotion on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing, breaking down in tears following a poignant Viennese waltz that moved both the audience and the judging panel.
An Emotional Performance to Remember
The performance, which aired on Saturday 06 December 2025, was part of the show's highly anticipated musicals special. Sopal, partnered with professional dancer Julian Caillon, took to the floor to perform a Viennese waltz set to 'Never Enough' from the hit film The Greatest Showman.
The routine was charged with feeling, culminating in Sopal becoming visibly emotional as she finished. The actress, who has faced the threat of elimination multiple times in the competition, was seen fighting back tears as she received feedback from the judges.
Judges Offer Praise and Consolation
The panel's response was overwhelmingly supportive. Head judge Shirley Ballas told Sopal she would 'always be a hero' and that the performance had given her 'chills'. Anton Du Beke also offered high praise for the dance.
Judge Motsi Mabuse stepped in to console the emotional contestant, acknowledging the powerful emotion she had successfully conveyed through her movement. Craig Revel Horwood, while noting some technical imperfections, commended the performance's overall 'flow and feeling'.
The Context of a Tough Competition
The moment was particularly poignant given Sopal's journey on the show, which has been described as 'demoralising' at times due to her previous brushes with elimination. This made the judges' warm reception and her own powerful performance an especially significant moment for the star.
The musicals special also featured other celebrity and professional routines, with a planned performance by the Strictly professional dance troupe set to round off the evening's entertainment.
