STRICTLY SHOCK: BAVINDER SOPAL ELIMINATED AS FINALISTS ARE CONFIRMED

Balvinder Sopal’s remarkable Strictly Come Dancing 2025 journey came to an emotional end last night, as the EastEnders star and professional partner Julian Caillon became the tenth couple to be eliminated from the competition. The results show confirmed the three finalists who will now go head-to-head for the coveted Glitterball Trophy, following a dramatic semi-final weekend that left viewers divided.

Despite having already survived a record-breaking five dance-offs during the series, Balvinder was unable to defy the odds once more. The actress found herself in the bottom two alongside Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin after Saturday night’s live semi-final, where each remaining couple performed two routines in a bid to secure a place in the final.

Speaking ahead of the dance-off, Balvinder remained gracious and reflective, describing it as an “honour” to perform again on the Strictly stage. Her opponent Amber, meanwhile, admitted she was feeling the pressure, branding Balvinder the show’s ultimate “dance-off assassin” due to her incredible run of survival performances throughout the series.

For the dance-off, both couples were asked to choose one routine to repeat. Balvinder and Julian opted to revisit their high-energy Salsa, set to a Gloria Estefan mash-up of Rhythm Is Gonna Get You and Get On Your Feet. The performance, packed with vibrant lifts and infectious Latin flair, showcased the determination and resilience that had defined Balvinder’s Strictly journey from the very beginning.

Amber and Nikita chose to reprise their Couple’s Choice routine to RAYE’s Fly Me to the Moon. The emotionally charged performance once again highlighted Amber’s storytelling ability and technical precision, drawing praise from the judges for its control, musicality and connection.

After both routines were performed, all four judges unanimously voted to save Amber and Nikita, meaning Balvinder and Julian’s time in the competition had come to an end at the semi-final stage. While the decision marked the end of a memorable run, the judges were quick to commend Balvinder for her perseverance, growth and unwavering commitment across the series.

Balvinder leaves Strictly having become one of the standout contestants of 2025, not just for her dancing, but for her sheer determination. Her repeated dance-off appearances turned her into one of the season’s most talked-about competitors, earning admiration from fans who praised her ability to rise to the challenge week after week under immense pressure.

With Balvinder’s elimination confirmed, the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 finalists have now been revealed. Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin will be joined in next week’s grand final by George Clarke and Alexis Warr, along with Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. Each couple brings a distinctly different style and fanbase to the final, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.

Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon became the tenth couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2025, as Sunday’s results show revealed the three finalists – Credit: BBC/Guy levy

As the series heads into its final weekend, viewers can expect show-stopping routines, emotional farewells and one last chance for the remaining couples to impress the judges and the public. While Balvinder Sopal may no longer be in the running for the Glitterball, her journey has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the Strictly Come Dancing legacy.