Strictly’s Balvinder Sopal says it’s ‘real people’s lives’ as she breaks silence

The EastEnders actress and her professional dance partner Julian Caillon were seen fighting for their place in the BBC show

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Strictly Come Dancing’s Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon(Image: BBC)

Balvinder Sopal has spoken about the ‘real lives’ of those taking part in Strictly Come Dancing as she broke her silence following the latest dance off.

The EastEnders actress and her professional dance partner Julian Caillon were seen fighting for their place in the competition for a fourth time during the latest results show on Sunday (November 16).

Balvinder, 46, and Julian, 30, were seen re-performing their American smooth to My Guy by Mary Wells from week eight of the competition on Saturday night (November 15) as they went up against Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington.

The latter couple were second to perform, as they jived to Sound Of The Underground by Girls Aloud before the judges delivered their verdict.

Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke all opted to save Balvinder and Julian and while Craig Revel Horwood, who had the casting vote on this week’s show in the event of a tie, did not have to give his verdict, he said he would have also saved the couple.

Speaking to host Tess Daly after her exit was confirmed: “It was so lovely while it lasted and I’ve had the nicest time. I knew this week was a difficult one for me and I tried my hardest, as I have every week.

“Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one. And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella (Kai) right here.”

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Balvinder and Julian went up against Vicky and Kai in the dance-off(Image: BBC)

She continued: “I don’t want to sound too cheesy but (to Kai) you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for. I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner and I’m so grateful.”

While Balvinder has already shared a tribute to Vicky following her exit, the soap star returned to social media to reflect on her latest performance ahead of taking part in Strictly’s annual Blackpool special.

Alongside pictures from their performance, the actress wrote: “Team Balian are Blackpool bound!!!!! The American Smooth Foxtrot, is now another one of my favourite dances. I loved dancing that with @julian_caillon and it really did feel like it was just me and him out there on the dance floor.

“Behind the glitz and glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people’s lives. We still have to manage what goes on outside of the rehearsal room and dance floor, and its not always easy to keep it together. But what we do, do – despite everything – is show up, every week, and we tell a story, whether that’s in the dance itself or because of a dance off.

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Balvinder and Julian during their latest performance(Image: PA)

“We always tell a story. Because at heart we are storytellers. And now, we get to write another chapter in the story of #Balian, in Blackpool with one of my all time favourite dances (soon to be revealed) – 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 & so excited.”

Balvinder continued: “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. I am beyond proud of you and #Balian.

“Also a huge shout out and thank you to every single person that cast a vote, or 5 our way. We love you!!! Blackpool, here we come!!!!!”

She also added: “Ps a video of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE LIFT. I adored learning to do that. Quirky, edgy, sexy and stylised. Thanks for choreographing it and having enough faith in me to do it justice @julian_caillon. You are the best. Oh and the DRESS! @vickygilldesign and the wardrobe team… you guys are wizards.”