Motsi ran out from behind her desk to console Balvinder Sopal on tonight’s episode
19:54, 06 Dec 2025
Balvinder broke down in tears on Strictly Come Dancing tonight
Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal broke down in tears tonight while the judges were critiquing her dance, with the EastEnders actress, 47, left sobbing in front of the live studio audience. She began crying during Motsi Mabuse’s remarks after a reference was made to the tough time she’s suffered on the BBC show.
The 44-year-old told her: “Whatever you wanted to say for the last weeks came out through that dance. It must be really demoralising what you have been through in this competition…” However, she cut off when she noticed Balvinder was crying, saying: “Oh now I have to go… I have to give you a hug.”
She ran over to her, giving her a hug and saying: “I’m so proud of you. You did it on your own” while her dance partner Julian Caillon stood to one side applauding.
Motsi jumped out of her seat to console sobbing Balvinder
Strictly fans rushed to support the star, with one writing: “Queen Balvinder got all my votes We need to show her all the support.” Another said: “I’m voting Balvinder tonight she doesn’t deserve to be in the dance off this week.”
Balvinder had received mixed comments from the judges, with Craig Revel-Horwood telling her: “I have a problem with your arms. They need to extend from the body not just the shoulder. You have a tendency on the right arm to do it beautifully but the left arm seems to be lift behind.” She replied quietly: “Sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Anton DuBeke opened with more positive remarks, saying: “I think I love you. More than ever now.” He added: “As you walked on you looked absolutely stunning. You walked on and you started the number and the whole room went straight into you. It was an exquisite beginning.”
The star and her pro partner Julian Caillon have been dumped in – and survived – five gruelling dance-offs over the course of this series. Referring to the judges’ positive remarks, Tess Daley told her: “You deserve all of those comments. I know how hard you’ve worked.”
Speaking after her tears, she told Claudia Winkleman: “I have waited all competition for that feeling, and I’m so grateful. I’m actually really grateful for what I’ve heard tonight, and it’s just it’s blown my heart to love this and to do justice to that song.”
Balvinder was scored a 9 by all the judges with the exception of Craig, who delivered an 8 for her Viennese Waltz which was performed to Never Enough, from the The Greatest Showman.
Julian Caillon stood beside an emotional Balvinder tonight
