Strictly Come Dancing contestant Balvinder Sopal has candidly revealed she is finding it difficult to 'keep it together' after appearing in her fourth dreaded dance-off in just eight weeks on the hit BBC show.
The Emotional Toll of the Competition
The EastEnders actress, who is best known for her role as Suki Panesar, is set to perform an Argentine Tango in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom this weekend, a dance she has described as one of her 'favourite dances'. However, the relentless pressure of the competition is taking its toll.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Sopal shared the reality behind the show's glittering facade. 'Behind the glitz and the glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people's lives,' she wrote. 'We still have to manage what goes on outside of the rehearsal room and dance floor, and it's not always easy to keep it together.'
Facing the Dance-Off Once Again
During Sunday's results show on BBC One, viewers saw the actress's visible disappointment when host Tess Daly announced she would be in the bottom two once again, this time against reality star Vicky Pattison. Sopal confessed, 'I really don't want to do it.'
After the judges unanimously voted to save her and her professional partner, Kai Widdrington, he was quick to offer reassurance. Julian urged her not to be disheartened, confirming she had executed everything he asked for. 'We keep fighting, surviving and thriving,' he declared, with the 46-year-old actress agreeing they would aim to 'come back stronger'.
Looking Ahead to Blackpool with Gratitude
Despite the challenges, 'Team Balian' are choosing to remain positive and are eagerly anticipating their Blackpool performance. The actress expressed her excitement and gratitude to her supporters.
'Now we get to write another chapter in the story of Balian in Blackpool with one of my all time favourite dances,' she shared. 'Someone is definitely shining down on us. I didn't think we'd make it this far but I am so grateful to still be here and so excited.'
She also paid a moving tribute to her professional partner, Kai, who is in his first series as a Strictly pro, praising his strength and dedication. 'Jules, you are the epitome of strength, just when I think we can't, you push and unlock another level for us as a team and individually.'
Acknowledging the public support that has kept her in the competition, she gave 'a huge shout out and thank you to every single person that cast a vote or five our way.'
Her fans were quick to flood her social media with messages of encouragement. One supporter commented: 'I'm so proud of the strength and resilience you're showing through all this. You're the most beautiful dancer and if it's what we think it is, Blackpool is going to be your most spectacular dance yet.'
