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BBC<\/p>\nBBC<\/p>\n
Balvinder Sopal got a standing ovation on Saturday’s programme <\/p>\n
Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal says it is an “honour” to dance this weekend for a place in the competition’s final.<\/p>\n
The EastEnders actor, from Gillingham, Kent, received a standing ovation on Saturday after her Viennese Waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
She told BBC Radio Kent<\/a>: “We’re ready to fight for our place in the final.”<\/p>\n The actor added: “It’s so lovely to hear that people are on the journey with me and connecting.<\/p>\n “Being in Strictly is just magical. It’s a different universe.”<\/p>\n The actor, who has played Suki Panesar in EastEnders since 2020, was born and bred in the Medway towns.<\/p>\n She said she had been “overwhelmed” by the support from her home town.<\/p>\n “It has made my heart burst with such joy and pride.<\/p>\n “I’m so proud of where I come from and it’s great to get the people of Medway behind me.”<\/p>\n Sopal and Caillon danced a Viennese Waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman<\/p>\n Sopal praised her Australian dance partner.<\/p>\n She said: “Julian is a dream. He’s such a caring, attentive partner. <\/p>\n “The two of us are storytellers and that has tapped into my strength as an actor.” <\/p>\n The remaining four couples will perform twice during Saturday’s semi-final.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n She said: “They’re two very different dances and hopefully you’ll get to see two very different personalities.<\/p>\n “I love the Salsa. We’re bringing the party vibe and really going for it.” <\/p>\n Sopal and Caillon recently visited Rochester Castle<\/p>\n Medway Council has sent a message of support to the actor who has described herself as “a Gills girl through and through”.<\/p>\n Vince Maple, council leader, said: “Bal and Julian’s performances every week have been stunning.<\/p>\n “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.” <\/p>\n Sopal’s local MP, Naushabah Khan, has also been urging Medway residents to back her<\/a>. <\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n The other semi-finalists are West End star Amber Davies, YouTuber George Clarke and former Lioness and sports broadcaster Karen Carney. <\/p>\n![\"Julian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/663e3840-d665-11f0-91f5-0bd827601511.jpg.webp.webp\")
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Medway Council<\/p>\n