Alistair McGeorge
Published December 1, 2025 11:20am
Updated December 1, 2025 11:20am
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A Strictly star has addressed her regular appearances in the dance-off (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Key Points
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- Balvinder Sopal, despite multiple dance-offs, has reached the Strictly quarterfinals with pro partner Julian Caillon
- She insisted viewers haven’t had the chance to connect with her away from the dancefloor
- Balvinder expressed gratitude to fans for their support and shared joy over reaching the quarterfinals the week of her birthday
A Strictly Come Dancing star has insisted viewers haven’t had a chance to ‘catch her vibe’ on the show.
This weekend, the BBC Latin and ballroom competition will reach the quarter finals with just five couples remaining and challenging for the Glitterball Trophy.
Balvinder Sopal and her professional partner Julian Caillon were saved after their record breaking fifth time facing the dreaded dance-off, and she has a theory for why some viewers might be struggling to connect with her.
The EastEnders actress pointed out that people who don’t watch the soap ‘know very little about me’, while there hasn’t been as much of a chance to show another side to her over the past few weeks.
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On the show, the two pairs in the dance-off don’t get the usual post-results debrief with Claudia Winkleman as they’re busy getting ready to perform again, which could explain the lack of airtime.
‘You know even less about my partnership with Julian because we haven’t been in the Clauditorium, much, where you can see a little bit more of us, hear about our strictly journey and catch our vibe,’ she continued.
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon have been in the dance-off five times (Picture: Instagram/@leesopal)
The EastEnders star addressed her stint so far (Picture: Picture: Instagram/leesopal)
‘But we hope you can feel our energy, connect, see who we are & what we represent through our dances which are filled with passion and story.’
During the Sunday night results shows, the couples who are safe get interviewed by Claudia in the studio, while the bottom two miss out on that time.
However, all contestants do get a couple of minutes of chat with the Traitors host on the Saturday episode while the judges are settling on their scores.
Despite landing in the bottom two for the voting more weeks than anyone else this series, Balvinder is grateful for the support she’s received.
‘We are through to the Quarter Final @julian_caillon – albeit the hard way ❤️,’ she wrote alongside some snaps with the dancer.
Which celebrity has been in the most Strictly dance-offs?
- Jamelia (2015) faced five dance-offs in nine weeks on the show
- Balvinder Sopal (2025) faced five dance-offs in 10 weeks. She is the first celebrity to win five dance-offs
- Three celebrities have survived four dance-offs and then reached the final:
- Molly Rainford (2022)
- Fleur East (2022)
- Jamie Laing (2020)
‘Thank you for all your votes. I know we’ve ended up in the dance off 5 times, been saved (thankfully), come back fighting, and set a new record in the process…
‘But your investment in us means more than anything in the world. Your gorgeous messages of support do get read and it humbles my heart to know there is so much love for Team Balian. Thank you!’
The soap star also opened up on how she’s living the ‘dream’ on Strictly, pushing herself to knew experiences and embracing the artform.
Balvinder and Julian have been in the dance-off five times this series (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
The EastEnders star suggested viewers haven’t been able to get to know her (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
‘At our core we are storytellers and this is our story. It’s one I am so proud to be a part of,’ she wrote. ‘Strictly was a dream, and here I am, through to the quarter final, with the most brilliant dance partner, creating memories and experiencing lots of firsts.’
And Balvinder, who is celebrating her 47th birthday later this week, is delighted to be spending it still in the running for the final.
She concluded: ‘It’s also my birthday on Thursday. It usually slips by quite quietly, but this year – it’s Strictly special. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift – I am truly very lucky 🦋🧿❤️😒💃✨️🕺’
Fans flooded the comments with messages of support and congratulations over her run so far, with some agreeing with her sentiment.
Fans rallied around her on Instagram (Picture: BBC)
‘You are dancing superbly and your storytelling is unmatched and shows what a great actress you are,’ commented @lorna_m-lovestoread. ‘Please know that you are loved and you are right, it is important that people get to know you as you are a very special person.
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Another viewer, ktravss, wrote: ‘congrats on making the quarter finals!! you have fought every step of the way and we can’t wait to see what you cook up for musicals week! (sic)’
And a third fan, @jones2608, added: ‘You are both amazing! To mentally keep picking yourselves up and keep going after each dance off shows amazing resilience. Keep doing what you are doing, enjoy every second and keep smashing it.’
Metro has contacted representatives for Balvinder Sopal and the BBC for comment.
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Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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