Fans raging as Balvinder Sopal faces 'unfair' Strictly dance-off for the second time

Balvinder found herself in the bottom two... again
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

EastEnders fans have taken aim at the Strictly Come Dancing audience for its percieved lack of support for Balvinder Sopal – as she was forced to dance for her future for the second time. This follows the events of last weekend’s Strictly, in which Balvinder and professional partner Julian Caillon faced off against Chris Robshaw in the dreaded dance-off.

Although judges Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas both voted to save Chris, it was Balvinder who came out on top, surviving long enough to dance another day.

But does Balvinder deserve better?

Balvinder Sopal dancing with Julian Caillon on Strictly
Balvinder and Julian’s performance landed them in the bottom two… again (Credit: BBC)

Balvinder faced the dance-off

In last night’s episode (airing Sunday, October 19), Chris and Balvinder – who was confirmed to be participating in the show back in August – both found themslves in land the bottom two. After performing their routines for a second time, it fell upon the judges to pick who they wanted to save.

First up: Motsi Mabuse, whochose to save Balvinder. Meanwhile, Shirley was of the opinion that Chris should be progressing through to the next round.

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“Both couples danced extremely well. Technically, I think they were on about the same level. But one couple had a little bit more degree of difficulty, and just gave a little bit of a stronger performance. So I chose to save Chris and Nadiya,” Shirley said.

Anton Du Beke then opted to save Chris and Nadiya, leaving the deciding vote down to that week’s presiding Head Judge, Craig Revel Horwood.

Craig ultimately decided to save Balvinder and Julian, sending Chris and Nadiya out of the competition.

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Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon face the judges on Strictly
The judges ultimately chose to save Balvinder (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders fans slam ‘unfair’ voting as Balvinder Sopal faces Strictly elimination

Taking to social media in the wake of this weekend’s Strictly, fans shared their thoughts on what had transpired. And many of the Walford faithful were of the opinion that Balvinder has been unfairly treated by voters at home.

“Such a travesty that Balvindar ended up in the dance off again,” wrote one fan. “We’re going to start voting for her because it just seems so unfair.”

“I can’t understand why Balvinder isn’t getting enough votes. I really don’t know what more she can do. This must be knocking her confidence so much but she’s a really good dancer!” said another.

A third agreed: “Balvinder is without doubt one of the most improved contestants this series. She commands the dance floor with her incredible acting skills & impressive dancing ability. It’s a shame she’s been under-marked and hasn’t received the support she deserves from the EE fans.”

“Wy on earth is Balvinder in bottom 2 again?” another asked. “Didn’t have the worst performance scores – wasn’t the weakest dancer – seems like a really lovely likeable person. What’s going on??”

What indeed!

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