Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley criticised Strictly Come Dancing judges on It Takes Two, saying Balvinder Sopal has been ‘consistently underrated and underscored’Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
20:29, 28 Nov 2025Updated 20:29, 28 Nov 2025
Richard leapt to the defence of EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal(Image: itv)
Richard Madeley did not hold back during an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two. The Good Morning Britain anchor made a brutal swipe at the judges over their treatment of EastEnders actress, Balvinder Sopal.
Appearing alongside Fleur East, Richard maintained that Balvinder has been “consistently underrated and underscored” throughout the series – and he made his feelings crystal clear that the judges have got it badly wrong.
In a moment that left viewers doing double-takes, Richard declared, “I think Balvinder had been consistently underrated and underserved.
“She’s had good scores, but I think she’s been underscored by the judges, and she’s clearly been underrated by the viewers because she keeps ending up in the dance-off.”
Balvinder has appeared in the dance-off several times(Image: bbc)READ MORE: Desk chair that supports ‘for eight hours’ cut by £120 from Which? Best Buy brandREAD MORE: ‘I tested a ‘lawn mower’ personal grooming shaver before a date – it’s my best friend’
He went on to say he’s “never understood” why she continues finding herself in the bottom two, stating: “I think she’s one of the best, I think she’s really good.”, reports the Express.
However, the praise came with a caveat. With Balvinder and partner Jules preparing to tackle a Jive tomorrow evening on the BBC programme, Richard confessed he’s not entirely convinced the routine will play to her strengths.
Describing her as “full of natural warmth and grace and charm,” he noted she’s “beautiful when she moves around the floor” – but expressed concern the rapid footwork might prove her downfall: “I’m not sure the jive is her thing, so I think she might struggle. I don’t think she’ll get a 10.”
Viewers responded to the passionate outburst, with many backing the television personality. One wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I actually kind of get where Richard is coming from with the Jive regarding Bal if I’m being honest.
“Bal is warm & her movements are so lovely, which is opposite to what’s needed, I guess, with the jive. I think she’ll bring the energy tho & absolutely smash it. Go #TeamBalian”.
Another echoed: “Also acknowledging that Bal has been underscored, underrated and didn’t deserve to be in the DOs. Absolutely all of this” And the timing couldn’t be worse.
Balvinder is currently the bookmakers’ clear favourite to be eliminated this weekend – a bleak prediction that heaps additional pressure ahead of Saturday night.
According to latest odds from Betway, she sits at 250/1 to depart the competition, making her the most at-risk celebrity going into the live show.
But she’s not the only one in troubled waters. Alex Kingston trails at 33/1, whilst Amber Davies stands at 20/1 to bow out before the semi-final, which is now merely two weeks away.
None of the trio can afford any mistakes, putting enormous emphasis on their upcoming performances. Meanwhile, the anticipated finalists appear far more secure.
George Clarke, Karen Carney and Lewis Cope remain the favourites to reach the grand final. Also on tonight’s It Takes Two, Fleur welcomed Lewis & Katya and Alex & Johannes to the sofa. Alex is preparing to dance a Cha Cha Cha, while Sammi Kinghorn and Sara Davies also featured during the episode.