Strictly Come Dancing fans have expressed frustration after EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal landed in the dance-off for the second consecutive week. The 46-year-old actress, partnered with professional dancer Julian Caillon, scored 28 points out of 40 for her paso doble to “Diablo Rojo” by Rodrigo y Gabriela on Saturday night.
Judge Motsi Mabuse praised Sopal as “a powerhouse” following the performance, but the actor still found herself in the bottom two after the public vote. Fans took to social media to voice their disbelief, with one writing: “This is a joke… Bal was sensational tonight. how the fudge is she in the bottom two, again?!” Another added: “I can't believe Balvinder was in the dance off again, why? I voted for her, but she clearly doesn't have the public support, which is a great shame.”
Some viewers speculated that Sopal's lack of votes might be due to her EastEnders character, Suki Panesar, who is often portrayed as morally dubious. One fan commented: “I think too many people confuse Balvinder with the character she acts! Poor woman.” Others suggested that her professional partner Julian Caillon might not have won over the audience yet.
In the dance-off, Sopal faced former England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova, who performed their salsa again. Oti Mabuse voted to save Sopal, while Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke chose Robshaw. Craig Revel Horwood, who had the deciding vote, saved Sopal despite noting a “raised shoulder, messy flow and tuned-in feet” in her performance.
Robshaw became the third contestant eliminated, telling host Tess Daly that the show had given him “such confidence”. The remaining 12 couples will return for Icons Week on Saturday 25 October, performing as musical icons.
