BBC
Balvinder Sopal got a standing ovation on Saturday’s programme
Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal says it is an “honour” to dance this weekend for a place in the competition’s final.
The EastEnders actor, from Gillingham, Kent, received a standing ovation on Saturday after her Viennese Waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.
Sopal and her dance partner Julian Caillon have already made Strictly history by becoming the first couple in the show’s 21-year history to survive five dance-offs in order to remain in the competition.
She told BBC Radio Kent: “We’re ready to fight for our place in the final.”
The actor added: “It’s so lovely to hear that people are on the journey with me and connecting.
“Being in Strictly is just magical. It’s a different universe.”
The actor, who has played Suki Panesar in EastEnders since 2020, was born and bred in the Medway towns.
She said she had been “overwhelmed” by the support from her home town.
“It has made my heart burst with such joy and pride.
“I’m so proud of where I come from and it’s great to get the people of Medway behind me.”
Sopal and Caillon danced a Viennese Waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman
Sopal praised her Australian dance partner.
She said: “Julian is a dream. He’s such a caring, attentive partner.
“The two of us are storytellers and that has tapped into my strength as an actor.”
The remaining four couples will perform twice during Saturday’s semi-final.
Sopal and Caillon will dance a Waltz to At This Moment by Michael Buble and a Salsa to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get On Your Feet by Gloria Estefan.
She said: “They’re two very different dances and hopefully you’ll get to see two very different personalities.
“I love the Salsa. We’re bringing the party vibe and really going for it.”
Medway Council
Sopal and Caillon recently visited Rochester Castle
Medway Council has sent a message of support to the actor who has described herself as “a Gills girl through and through”.
Vince Maple, council leader, said: “Bal and Julian’s performances every week have been stunning.
“We’re so incredibly proud of the hard work, and seeing our very own Bal from Gillingham up their on screen every week has been sensational.”
Sopal’s local MP, Naushabah Khan, has also been urging Medway residents to back her.
And a local school where the EastEnders actor’s niece is a pupil posted on Facebook: “We would like to wish Balvinder the very best of luck.”
The other semi-finalists are West End star Amber Davies, YouTuber George Clarke and former Lioness and sports broadcaster Karen Carney.
Saturday’s show will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 18:35 GMT, with the results show at 19:45 GMT on Sunday.