"I’m so lucky, and I’m really, very happy."
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left “gutted” after Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon were eliminated, narrowly missing out on the final.
The pair were voted off following a tense dance-off against ex-Love Island star Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Amber and Nikita performed their Couple’s Choice, while Balvinder and Julian danced a samba.
Despite both pairs giving it their all, the judges unanimously voted to save Amber.
Reflecting on her experience, Balvinder praised the show and its people.
She said: “Everyone’s been brilliant. The minute you walk into this building, it’s like a massive hug.
“Every single time I’ve walked in, people have just held me and gone ‘you know, you’re all right’, it’s such a wonderful place to work.”
She also thanked the judges and presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who will both be leaving Strictly after the series.
Balvinder continued: “[To the judges] thank you, Claudia and Tess , I’m grateful that I got to be on the show on your last moment here as well, because you, for me, are what Strictly is about.”
Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Balvinder said:
“You’re the era of Len Goodman and Bruce Forsyth, and that’s when I started watching it, and that, for me, is really special.
“This year, it’s been full of so many serendipitous moments. I’m so lucky, and I’m really, very happy.”
Following the elimination, fans shared their disappointment online, with many describing themselves as “gutted”.
One viewer said:
“I’m absolutely gutted she’s gone, she is what Strictly is all about.”
The fan also revealed who would now get their votes:
“My votes will be going to Amber, the courage Amber has to keep going after all the negativity she’s gotten! Amber is my winner! Bal you will be missed.”
Another supporter wrote: “So heartbroken.”
A third added: “So sad she’s gone, she did so well.”
Supporters continued to praise Balvinder and Julian as they became the latest couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Their exit confirms the final three heading into the final on December 21.
Amber will be competing against former footballer Karen Carney and content creator George Clarke for the iconic Glitterball Trophy.
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