Strictly Come Dancing's Balvinder Sopal has revealed the powerful emotional connection behind her stunning Paso Doble performance, dedicating her dramatic routine to the late, great Patrick Swayze.
The EastEnders actress, best known for playing the formidable Suki Panesar, spoke exclusively about how she channeled her on-screen character's strength to deliver one of the most memorable dances of the series so far.
From Walford to the Waltz
Sopal confessed that stepping onto the Strictly dance floor required summoning the same resilience her EastEnders character displays in Albert Square. "Playing Suki has given me this incredible inner strength," the actress revealed. "When you're performing live before millions, you need to dig deep and find that courage."
Her professional dance partner, who choreographed the breathtaking routine, worked closely with Sopal to ensure the performance captured both the technical precision and raw emotion of the Paso Doble.
A Fitting Tribute to a Hollywood Legend
The choice to dedicate the dance to Patrick Swayze held special significance for the actress. "He was such an iconic figure in dance and film," Sopal explained, her voice filled with admiration. "Dirty Dancing was groundbreaking, and his performance in Ghost remains unforgettable."
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, known for his notoriously tough critiques, offered rare praise for the performance, acknowledging both the technical execution and emotional depth Sopal brought to the dance floor.
More Than Just Steps
For Sopal, the Strictly experience has become about more than mastering choreography. "It's about storytelling through movement," she shared. "Each dance allows us to connect with audiences on a completely different level than television acting."
The actress also touched on the physical and mental challenges of the competition, describing the intense training schedule and pressure of live performance. Yet through it all, she maintains the same steely determination that has made her EastEnders character so compelling to watch.
As the competition heats up, viewers can expect to see more of Sopal's transformative journey from soap star to serious dance contender, proving that sometimes the most powerful performances come from connecting personal inspiration with professional dedication.
