On Saturday night BBC viewers settled in for another episode of Strictly Come Dancing as the contestant reach the halfway mark.
Tianna Corbin TV Reporter
20:05, 08 Nov 2025
On Saturday night, BBC viewers settled in for another evening of sparkle and glamour as Strictly Come Dancing officially hit its halfway mark.
The contest is heating up as last weekend witnessed the first perfect 40 of the series from Emmerdale star Lewis Cope.
Nevertheless, it also signalled the conclusion for Ellie Goldstein and her professional partner, Vito Coppola. Despite the duo securing a score of 27, they ended up in the dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.
Ultimately, the judges chose to rescue the EastEnders star, bringing Ellie’s journey on the programme to a close.
The 23-year-old was full of admiration when discussing her experience on the competition as she praised Vito, whom she calls her ‘big brother’.
With another contestant due to depart this weekend, the leaderboard has been reset as the celebrities attempt to dazzle once more, reports Wales Online.
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola during the results show of Strictly Come Dancing(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire )READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing favourite in ‘death slot’ as star sparks concernREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Quentin Willson was living out of spotlight before he died
Throughout the programme, Balvinder became deeply emotional as she shared details of a heartbreaking loss last year when her mother passed away.
Before her routine, the EastEnders star was brought to tears as she reflected on moments with her beloved parent.
The duo performed a commercial Punjabi Bhangra as their Couple’s Choice this week, with Balvinder explaining to audiences that her mother’s home on a Saturday was always bustling with energy.
She reflected: “Last year was a really terrible year for us, losing my mum felt like and still does, feel like I’ve lost a part of me.
“Me and my mum, we had a brilliant relationship. One of the things I loved was coming home from work, sitting down and having a cup of tea with my mum, wrapped in a blanket, we’d just be warm together.”
Balvinder opened up on her tragic loss(Image: BBC)
The BBC star paused to gather herself as she became emotional whilst discussing her mum.
She went on: “I’d said no to every single thing that came my way, then Strictly came knocking and I thought, yeah, I’m going to do it. This is my yes year, and I’m going to do it because I want to be seen, because my mum would want me to be seen.”
In another segment, featuring Balvinder chatting with her sister and professional partner, viewers learnt that their mum had previously been interviewed by Balvinder for BBC Radio Kent.
As the recording played out, audiences were treated to hearing Balvinder’s mum’s voice.
The actress played an interview from her mum that was recorded(Image: BBC)
She said: “Try your best and definitely, when you try your best, you’ll get a good result and keep optimistic and one day, definitely, you will get it.”
The actress revealed she’s fulfilling her dream by appearing on Strictly, despite the emotional ups and downs. Balvinder added: “I think my mum would be incredibly happy and dancing, wherever she is, shining down on me.”
Ultimately, Balvinder received a score of 34 for their performance, marking her best result on the programme to date.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
