BBC's beloved dance competition Strictly Come Dancing has claimed another unexpected casualty, as actress Balvinder Sopal reveals the devastating impact the show had on her mental wellbeing after participating twice in quick succession.
The Breaking Point
The EastEnders star, known for playing Suki Panesar in the popular soap, found herself pushed to her absolute limits when she returned to the dancefloor for a second consecutive year. What many viewers saw as an exciting opportunity became a psychological battleground for the actress.
"I was broken," Sopal confessed in a raw and emotional interview. "The pressure was relentless, and doing it twice back-to-back took everything from me mentally and emotionally."
Behind the Glitter and Glamour
While audiences see the sparkling costumes and polished performances, Sopal reveals the hidden struggles that occur behind the scenes:
- Intense physical and mental exhaustion
- Crippling self-doubt and anxiety
- Emotional breakdowns during training
- The overwhelming pressure to perform perfectly
The Road to Recovery
After her second Strictly experience, Sopal found herself needing to step away from the spotlight completely to focus on her mental health. "I had to take time for myself, to heal and rediscover who I was outside of the competition," she explained.
The actress has since become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness in the entertainment industry, encouraging others to prioritise their psychological wellbeing over professional opportunities.
A Warning to Future Contestants
Sopal's experience serves as a crucial reminder of the very real mental health challenges that can accompany reality television participation. Her story highlights the importance of adequate psychological support for contestants navigating the intense pressure of prime-time television.
"It's not just dancing," Sopal emphasised. "It's your entire life being put under a microscope while you're trying to master a completely new skill. The toll it takes is unimaginable."
