The Semi-Finals of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 have delivered a shock as fan-favorite Balvinder Sopal bowed out after an unprecedented six dance-offs. The EastEnders actress and her professional partner Julian Callion were voted off in Sunday’s tense dance-off against reality star Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, following a unanimous judges’ decision to save Amber.
Balvinder and Julian found themselves at the bottom of Saturday’s leaderboard with a combined score of 70, while Amber and Nikita stood strong with a score of 77, making the judges' choice clear. This result means that former England Lioness footballer Karen Carney, alongside dance partner Carlos Gu, social media influencer George Clarke with Alexis Warr, and Amber Davies with Nikita Kuzmin will compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy next weekend.
Karen Carney made history by topping the leaderboard with a combined score of 78, becoming the first footballer ever to reach the Strictly final — a remarkable milestone for the show.
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Following her elimination, Balvinder surprised many with her quick-witted response when asked if she enjoyed her time on Strictly, sarcastically replying “No,” prompting presenter Tess Daly to urge, “Don’t say that!” She quickly softened her comment, praising the supportive atmosphere, saying, “Everyone’s been brilliant. Walking into this building feels like a massive hug every single time.”
Balvinder expressed gratitude to judges, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, acknowledging their iconic role in the show’s history and how meaningful it was to be part of their final moments hosting Strictly. She reflected on her journey filled with “serendipitous moments” and called her partner Julian “brilliant in every sense,” crediting him for never leaving her feeling alone on the dance floor.
Julian also praised Balvinder’s indomitable spirit and inspirational drive, highlighting that it took six dance-offs and a perfect score to finally see her leave the competition. “Bal embodies what this competition is about,” he said, inspiring viewers with their strong partnership and growth throughout the series.
The result sparked mixed reactions across social media. Some fans argued that Amber’s superior dancing skills justified the outcome, while others felt Balvinder’s grit and improvement deserved to keep her in the competition. Comments ranged from frustration over judges ignoring public voting preferences to overwhelming praise for Balvinder’s journey and achievements.
Despite leaving the competition, Balvinder’s incredible journey and unwavering spirit have left an indelible mark on Strictly Come Dancing’s 2025 season.