When EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal took to the Strictly Come Dancing stage on Saturday night, her performance shimmered with more than just sequins and gold fabric—it carried a deep emotional tribute.
The 46-year-old actress shared that her dance was dedicated to her late mother, Nirmal Sopal, who passed away in February 2024.
Dancing Through Grief
Before her performance, Balvinder spoke candidly about how the loss of her mother had shaped her decision to join the show.
Fighting back tears, she revealed, “Last year was truly awful for us. Losing my mum felt like losing a part of me.”
She went on to share tender memories of their time together: “We had such a beautiful relationship.
I used to love coming home from work, making a cup of tea, wrapping up in a blanket, and just sitting with her. We’d be warm, chatting, and everything felt right.”
Balvinder explained that she had turned down many opportunities since her mother’s passing—but Strictly felt different. “When Strictly came knocking, I said yes.
It became my ‘yes year.’ I wanted to do it because my mum would have wanted me to. She’d want to see me shine.”
The Pressure Behind the Glitter
While the actress has brought joy to the dance floor, she admits that the journey hasn’t been easy.
Last month, Balvinder opened up about the toll the competition has taken on her mental health.
“I didn’t expect it to be this mentally draining,” she admitted.
“It’s not just the dancing—it’s everything else.
Balancing work, family, and then dealing with what people say online, especially after landing in the dance-off twice—it can get heavy.”
Despite the pressure, Balvinder remains determined to stay positive.
“Sometimes you just have to get out of your head and enjoy it,” she said.
“That’s what Strictly is meant to be about—joy, fun, and celebration.”
A Reminder of Past Struggles
Balvinder isn’t the first contestant to speak about the emotional intensity of the show.
Two years ago, actress Amanda Abbington revealed she had developed mild PTSD after her time on Strictly, citing both personal and professional factors.
She described the demanding rehearsal schedule as “utterly exhausting”—something many contestants have echoed over the years.
Saying Goodbye to an Era
Adding to the bittersweet atmosphere this season, longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman recently announced that they will be stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing after this series.
Their joint exit marks the end of an era for the beloved BBC show.
Claudia will move on to host a new chat show produced by the same team behind The Graham Norton Show, while Tess had already agreed that when Claudia left, she would too.
Reacting to the news, Balvinder said, “We’re all quite sad—it really does feel like the end of an era.
Tess and Claudia represent that classic Strictly magic, from the days of Len Goodman and Bruce Forsyth. They carry so much of the show’s legacy.”
She continued, “They’re hilarious, genuine, and such a comfort backstage.
They’ve taken care of everyone on the show.
Whoever replaces them will bring something new, but it’ll definitely feel different.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Balvinder’s focus remains on dancing for her mum and embracing the joy that Strictly has brought back into her life. “This show is healing in its own way,” she said.
“Every time I step onto that floor, I feel like I’m dancing with her.”
And while the glitter may fade after the music stops, Balvinder’s heartfelt tribute—and her journey through grief and resilience—will linger long after the lights go down.