Strictly Come Dancing spoilers follow.
Strictly Come Dancing has aired the elimination of an "inspirational" star, leaving fans "gutted" ahead of this year's final. Tonight's results show saw EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal and pro Julian Caillon leaving the competition, after going head-to-head with Love Island's Amber Davies and pro Nikita Kuzmin in the dance-off.
First, Balvinder and Julian performed their Salsa to 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get On Your Feet' by Gloria Estefan, before Amber and Nikita showcased their Couple's Choice to RAYE's 'Fly Me to the Moon'.
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In another unanimous decision, the judges voted to save Amber and Nikita, sending them through to next Saturday's final. Judge Craig Revel Horwood shared that he would've also used this week's casting vote to save the pair.
Balvinder's exit was met with shock from fans on Twitter/X, who shared their disappointment at the result.
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"Sad — but make no mistake: Bal earned every step. Lowest public support. Five dance-offs. No shortcuts. Balvinder Sopal fought every week and bloomed under pressure. That's a legacy," one wrote, while a second echoed: "Gutted but oh SO proud."
A third added: "Big love to our amazing Balvinder Sopal!! All season she has been phenomenal, fighting back against unfair scoring, every dance off and vitriol online. She has been beautiful and as a South Asian she has been nothing short of inspirational. Thank you for everything."
Reflecting on her Strictly journey, Balvinder said she "absolutely adored every single minute", including the dance-offs and various challenges. She went on to thank her "brilliant" dance partner Julian for supporting her when she "wobbled".
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"You've just held me in your hands and you've gone, Bal, we've got this. It's just me and you, and we're gonna do this together," she added. "I've never felt alone on this floor, and I just want you to remember me. Don't replace me too soon!"
Julian, who made his Strictly debut this year, praised the soap star for her "unbreakable" spirit, saying she "embodies what this competition is about".
"Bal can inspire us that whatever any of us want in life, all you have to have is the desire to go after it," he said. "It took six dance-offs and a perfect score to take this lady out, so I am so so proud of you!"
Next Saturday's (20 December) grand final will see Amber and Nikita, George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu returning to the dancefloor for the last time, before one couple lifts the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
