EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal broke down in tears on Strictly last weekend after her Viennese Waltz, but now she’s been tipped as the latest star to be sent packing
Balvinder Sopal is set to miss out on the Strictly final – according to the latest odds.
The EastEnders star grew emotional on the BBC show last weekend, following her Viennese Waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. She received a standing ovation for the routine with pro dance partner Julian Caillon.
The pair have made it to this weekend’s semi-final, but unfortunately they’ve been tipped to miss out on the grand final. The bookies at Ladbrokes have made Balvinder the favourite to be eliminated from the competition.
She has odds of just 4/9 to be leaving the show this weekend, ahead of Amber Davies who is now 5/2 for elimination. But they believe George Clarke (10/1) and Karen Carney (16/1) will be sailing through to the final.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “It’s a position she’s all too familiar with at this point, but the form books suggest Amber Davies should be worried about her place in next week’s final, with Balvinder defying the odds up to this point.”
Balvinder and Julian have made Strictly history by becoming the first Strictly duo to survive five dance-offs in order to stay in the show. It seems the soap star is determined to keep defying the odds, too.
She told BBC Radio Kent: “We’re ready to fight for our place in the final.” She 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.”
Praising her dance partner, she added: “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.”
Sopal and Caillon will be dancing 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 on Saturday night (December 13). She said of the routines: “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.”
Judge Anton Du Beke gave Balvinder and Julian rave reviews last week. He said: “I think I love you now, more than ever now. I have to tell you this, firstly, congratulations because this was epic. This was an epic performance.”
Craig Revel Horwood pointed out: “I have to be particular, because you know we’re getting on in the competition. You’re still a little bit turned in on occasion, I can see you have corrected it.
“On the final lift, one toe should remain on the floor at all times, which is absolutely correct. You were just a little bit off. It’s really important what the hands and feet are doing, that’s all.”
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