The gloves are off on Strictly Come Dancing as the competition returns with a crucial elimination following a week's reprieve. After last weekend's surprise non-elimination, due to the withdrawal of contestant La Voix, the pressure is mounting in the ballroom.
The End of the Road for One Celebrity
As the show enters its tenth week, the race for the Glitterball Trophy is intensifying. The stakes are particularly high because votes and scores from last week are carrying over, meaning the fate of the remaining celebrities will be decided based on their performances across both weeks. This Sunday, one contestant's journey will definitively end.
According to betting odds and expert analysis, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, 46, is the most likely candidate to be sent home. The actress, who plays Suki Panesar, and her professional partner Julian Caillon have found themselves in the perilous dance-off a staggering four times this series, managing to survive on each occasion.
Expert Predictions and Betting Odds
Former Strictly professional Ola Jordan has cast doubt on Balvinder's ability to survive another week. Speaking to Mecca Bingo, Jordan stated, "I think Balvinder is the most likely to go this week. She's the weakest dancer in the competition now, and I expect she'll end up in the bottom two again." She added that unless something unexpected occurs, Balvinder would struggle to survive another dance-off.
This opinion is echoed by the bookmakers. Online bookmaker Grosvenor Sport has priced Balvinder as the clear frontrunner for the next elimination. The latest odds place her at 1/5 to leave the competition, making her the most vulnerable contestant.
The full list of elimination odds is as follows:
- Balvinder Sopal – 1/5
- Alex Kingston – 7/2
- Amber Davies – 9/1
- Karen Carney – 25/1
- George Clarke – 50/1
- Lewis Cope – 50/1
Looking Back at Last Week's Performances
Last weekend, Balvinder and Julian performed an Argentine tango to Supertramp's 'The Logical Song', which judge Anton Du Beke praised for its "real characterisation", calling it one of their best dances.
Meanwhile, the competition saw a standout performance from former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones, who earned a perfect score of 40 for their Charleston during the Blackpool special. Judge Motsi Mabuse said their "energy was insane."
The weekend was also marked by the confirmed withdrawal of La Voix, who sustained an injury. The drag artist, who was paired with Aljaž Škorjanec, was seen watching from the audience in Blackpool. In an emotional Instagram post, La Voix expressed being "absolutely devastated" to leave the competition in such an unexpected manner.
With the competition heating up and the final drawing closer, all eyes will be on the dancefloor tonight to see if Balvinder Sopal can defy the odds one more time or if her Strictly journey has finally reached its conclusion.
