Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal has been ‘underscored’ by the judges, one high-profile ITV presenter has argued.
Frankie Collins and Hannah McGreevy Assistant Editor
20:04, 29 Nov 2025
Balvinder faced more feedback this evening
Richard Madeley appeared on It Takes Two yesterday evening, where he unleashed a rant about the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel over their handling of Balvinder Sopal.
Joined by Fleur East, Richard declared that the EastEnders star has been “consistently underrated and underscored” during her time in the competition – making his displeasure with the judges crystal clear.
In a moment that left audiences doing double-takes, Richard stated: “I think Balvinder had been consistently underrated and underscored.
“She’s had good scores, but I think she’s been underscored by the judges, and she’s clearly been underrated by the viewers because she keeps ending up in the dance-off.”
Richard Madeley unleashed a blistering critique of the Strictly judging panel.(Image: itv)READ MORE: BBC Strictly fans floored by star’s ‘tiny outfit’ minutes into live showREAD MORE: Strictly viewers fear the worst after hosts make announcement moments into show
He went on to express his bewilderment at her repeated appearances in the bottom two, declaring: “I think she’s one of the best, I think she’s really good.”
Yet his praise came with a caveat. With Bal and professional partner Jules preparing to tackle a Jive on the BBC programme, Richard confessed his doubts about whether the routine will play to her strengths, reports the Express.
Describing her as “full of natural warmth and grace and charm,” he praised how she’s “beautiful when she moves around the floor”.
However, he added: “I’m not sure the jive is her thing, so I think she might struggle. I don’t think she’ll get a 10.”
Viewers weighed in on his passionate outburst, with many backing the television personality’s stance.
Balvinder has appeared in the dance-off several times(Image: bbc)
One wrote on X: “I actually kind of get where Richard is coming from with the Jive regarding Bal if I’m being honest.
“Bal is warm & her movements are so lovely,which is opposite to what’s needed I guess with the jive. I think she’ll bring the energy tho & absolutely smash it. Go #TeamBalian.”
Another agreed: “Also acknowledging that Bal has been underscored, underrated and didn’t deserve to be in the DOs. Absolutely all of this.”
Strictly: It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
