Strictly Come Dancing contestant Balvinder Sopal has openly confessed she is finding it difficult to maintain her composure after an exhausting run on the BBC show. The actress, best known for playing Suki Panesar in EastEnders, has found herself in the dreaded dance off four times in just eight weeks.
The Emotional Toll Behind the Glamour
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Balvinder offered a raw glimpse behind the scenes of the glittering competition. She wrote that "behind the glitz and the glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people's lives." The star emphasised the challenge of managing life outside the rehearsal room while consistently having to fight for her place in the competition.
"It's not always easy to keep it together," she admitted. Despite the immense pressure, Balvinder highlighted the resilience of the competitors, stating, "But what we do do - despite everything - is show up, every week, and we tell a story."
Another Fight for Blackpool
The latest tense moment unfolded on the Sunday night results show on BBC One. Viewers saw Balvinder's visible dismay when host Tess Daly asked how she felt about having to dance again to save her spot, this time against reality star Vicky Pattison. Balvinder's response was starkly honest: "I really don't want to do it."
Fortunately, the judges were unanimous in their decision to save her and her professional partner, Julian. Afterwards, Julian offered words of encouragement, telling her not to be disappointed as she had executed everything he asked. He insisted, "We keep fighting, surviving and thriving," with the 46-year-old actress agreeing they would aim to come back stronger.
Finding Strength in Partnership
Looking ahead, Balvinder and Julian—dubbed 'Team Balian'—are channelling positivity as they prepare for the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom week. The actress expressed her excitement at performing one of her "all-time favourite dances," an Argentine Tango, calling it another chapter in their story.
She also paid a moving tribute to Julian, who is new to Strictly this year, crediting him as her pillar of strength. "Jules, you are the epitome of strength," she wrote. "Just when I think we can't, you push and unlock another level for us as a team and individually."
Balvinder extended a "huge shout out and thank you to every single person that cast a vote or five our way," acknowledging the crucial support from the public. Her fans were quick to rally online, with one praising her "strength and resilience" and predicting a spectacular performance in Blackpool.
