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'Strictly' Star Balvinder Sopal Reveals Struggles Behind the Glitz
18 Nov
Summary
- Balvinder Sopal has been in the dance-off 4 times in 8 weeks
- Sopal and partner Julian Caillon have had a tough time on the show
- Sopal opens up about managing life outside the rehearsal room
On November 18th, 2025, Balvinder Sopal, a 46-year-old EastEnders actress, revealed the challenges she has faced during her time on Strictly Come Dancing. Sopal and her professional partner, Julian Caillon, 30, have been in the dance-off four times in the past eight weeks, indicating a tough journey in the competition.
In an Instagram post, Sopal reflected on her Strictly experience, acknowledging that "behind the glitz and glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people's lives." She explained that the contestants must manage their lives outside of the rehearsal room and dance floor, and it's "not always easy to keep it together."
Despite the difficulties, Sopal and Caillon have continued to show up and tell a story through their dances, even making it to the Blackpool special next weekend. Sopal expressed her gratitude for still being in the competition and her excitement for the upcoming performance, which she described as one of her "all-time favorite dances."
Sopal's partner, Caillon, has been a source of strength, pushing the team to new levels and helping Sopal unlock her potential. The actress praised Caillon, saying he is "the epitome of strength" and that she is "beyond proud" of their partnership.
The news comes after Vicky Pattison, a 38-year-old TV personality, was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing in what has been described as the "most shocking elimination yet." Pattison and her partner, Kai Widdrington, 30, missed out on a place in the Blackpool special after losing the dance-off against Sopal and Caillon.
