The glittering journey of EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal on Strictly Come Dancing came to an emotional end on Sunday night, as she was voted off the BBC show in the tense semi-final. The 47-year-old actress and her professional partner, Julian Callion, faced their record-breaking sixth dance-off against reality TV star Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, but this time the public vote saw their luck run out.
A Tearful Farewell and a Flood of Support
Following her final dance, a visibly moved Balvinder reflected on her time in the competition. She described the Strictly environment as "a massive hug" and a "wonderful place to work," praising the support she received from everyone involved. Her departure prompted an immediate and passionate reaction from viewers across social media platforms.
Many fans rushed to congratulate the Suki Panesar actress, with a significant number arguing she deserved a place in next week's final. Supporters highlighted her remarkable resilience, having survived the dance-off an unprecedented six times. One viewer on X declared she "highlighted what the show is about," improving weekly and battling back with strength, while another called her "forever a Strictly winner of our hearts."
The Debate Over Dance Backgrounds
The elimination has also reignited the perennial Strictly debate about contestants' prior dance experience. Some viewers expressed the opinion that Amber Davies, who now progresses to the final, held an unfair advantage due to her background in musical theatre, which includes roles in West End productions like The Great Gatsby.
However, Amber and her associates have countered this, insisting the disciplines are "worlds apart" and that typical drama school training is "completely different" to the demands of the Strictly ballroom. This debate has added a layer of controversy to the semi-final result, dividing the show's loyal audience.
Was It The Right Time To Go?
While Balvinder's exit was met with an outpouring of sympathy and admiration, not all viewers disagreed with the judges' ultimate decision. Some acknowledged her fantastic effort but felt the competition had simply reached a level where she was out-danced. Comments on social media included sentiments that it was "definitely her time to go" and that the "right three are in the final."
Those three finalists are now George Clarke, Karen Carney, and Amber Davies. They will compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy in the live final on BBC One this Saturday. Balvinder Sopal's journey may be over, but the discussion about her memorable, record-breaking stint on the show is sure to continue.
