Strictly Come Dancing's latest departure has left both the ballroom and its viewers emotional, as Balvinder Sopal and her professional partner Vito Coppola were voted off the BBC show this weekend.
The EastEnders actress, known for her role as Suki Panesar, described the wave of support from the public following her elimination as "completely overwhelming." In an exclusive chat, Sopal revealed she was moved to tears by the heartfelt messages from fans across the nation.
An Emotional Farewell
Their exit came after a dramatic dance-off against Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin, where the judges ultimately chose to save the latter. Sopal and Coppola performed their Couple's Choice routine to "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge one last time, a moment the actress described as bittersweet.
"It was an absolute pleasure to dance with Vito one last time on that iconic floor," Sopal shared. "The energy from the audience was something I'll never forget."
The Power of Public Support
What truly stunned the actress was the monumental public reaction. "The support has been insane," she confessed. "I've been so touched by everyone's kind words. Reading through all the messages actually had me in tears – it's been completely overwhelming in the best way possible."
She extended a special thanks to her dedicated fanbase, emphasising how their votes each week meant the world to her. "Thank you to everyone who voted for us. You made a dream come true."
A Journey of Joy
Reflecting on her Strictly experience, Sopal focused on the pure joy it brought her. "I've had the most incredible time on the show. From the brilliant team to the amazing hair and makeup artists, and of course, the wonderful Vito – it's been a blast."
Her professional partner, Vito Coppola, echoed the sentiment, praising Sopal's dedication and the beautiful connection they forged. "We built something truly special," he said.
While her time in the competition has ended, Sopal's Strictly journey, marked by glitter, grace, and genuine emotion, has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the show's millions of viewers.
