Strictly Come Dancing contestant Balvinder Sopal has shared a deeply emotional account of her mother's death, revealing how the loss left her feeling incomplete and changed her perspective on life and career.
A Terrible Year and a Devastating Loss
During a poignant segment aired on Saturday 8 November 2025, the EastEnders actress became visibly upset as she discussed the profound impact of her mother's passing. She described the previous year as "terrible" for her and her family as they navigated their grief.
Sopal, 46, explained that her mother was her "biggest cheerleader" and that their bond was exceptionally close. "Losing my mum felt like and still does feel like I lost a part of me," she confessed to viewers. "Me and mum had a brilliant relationship."
She fondly recalled simple, cherished moments, such as returning from filming and "sitting down, having a cup of tea with mum wrapped in a blanket. We'd just be warm together." These memories highlighted the depth of their connection.
Finding Courage on the Dance Floor
The actor revealed that in the wake of her grief, she had turned down numerous professional opportunities. "I'd said no to every single thing that came my way and then Strictly came along," she said.
However, the offer to join the hit BBC dance competition sparked a change. She decided that 2025 would be her "yes year," driven by the conviction that "mum would want me to be seen." This realisation gave her the courage to accept the challenge, dedicating her performance to her mother's memory.
A Bhangra Tribute and Judge's Praise
During the live show, Sopal and her professional dance partner, Julian Caillon, performed a vibrant Couple’s Choice routine. Their dance was a Bhangra-inspired performance set to 'Sapphire' by Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh.
The emotional backstory moved judge Motsi Mabuse, who told Sopal, "I know your mum is watching and she’s so proud of you." Head judge Shirley Ballas declared it their "best dance so far," as the pair scored a total of 34 points from the judges.
This was a significant moment for the duo, who have faced the dreaded dance off three times during the series. Fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) were equally touched, with one writing, "Balvinder did her mum so proud with that dance, so so gorgeous and full of joy!!" Another added, "There’s a very proud Mum looking down."
Through her grief, Balvinder Sopal found a way to honour her mother's spirit, believing she "will be incredibly happy and dancing, wherever she is, shining down on me." Her journey on Strictly has become a powerful testament to love, loss, and resilience.
