Strictly’s Julian Caillon emotionally says ‘only one left’ as he admits ‘trying’ in personal update

The professional dancer, who joined the BBC One dance show’s pro line-up this year, is competing alongside Balvinder Sopal

Strictly Come Dancing star Julian Caillon(Image: Julian Caillon Instagram)

Julian Caillon has emotionally said there’s ‘only one left’ as his first year on Strictly Come Dancing, and his journey with Balvinder Sopal nears a close.

The professional dancer, who joined the BBC One dance show’s pro line-up this year alongside fellow newbie Alexis Warr, will be hoping that he and EastEnders star Balvinder make it to the final, set for Saturday, December 20.

First, they’ll need to make it through the semi-final, which takes place live this Saturday night (December 13) with the four remaining couples taking on two routines in a bid to continue their journey one step closer to the coveted Glitterball trophy.

During last weekend’s quarter-final, Balvinder and Julian brought viewers to tears as they danced the Viennese Waltz to The Greatest Showman’s Never Enough, which came off the back of them breaking a Strictly record after they survived their fifth dance-off of the series.

After the dance, which ended with Balvinder on the floor on her own as Julian stood to the side in awe, the judges were full of praise for the tearful star. Anton Du Beke, who appeared to have tears in his eyes, told Balvinder that she had “swept across the floor”, branding the star “magnificent”.

But Craig Revel Horwood started his remarks off by criticising some of Balvinder’s technique. However, he did offer some praise too, describing Balvinder as a “fighter”. And it was Motsi Mabuse’s comments that reduced Balvinder to tears as she recognised how ‘demoralising’ her experience in the competition may have been, before rushing to give the emotional star a hug.

Julian and Balvinder will be competing in the Strictly semi-final(Image: Julian Caillon Instagram)

And there was good news for Balvinder and Julian as they didn’t need to fight for their place in the competition, as they were successfully seen making it through following the public vote during Sunday’s (December 7) results show.

Having made it through, the pair were seen discussing what’s to come on Strictly’s spin-off show, It Takes Two. Taking to Instagram afterwards, Julian shared a picture of himself and Balvinder to his Story and said: “Only one more of these left,” alongside a sad face emoji.

While we’ll have to wait to find out if that’s as Strictly 2025 finalists, Julian has given fans a glimpse at how he’s been spending his time away from the ballroom, having settled into life in London with his fiancée, Sofia, after they both relocated from Australia for his stint on the popular programme.

(Image: Julian Caillon Instagram)

The pair were seen heading into the West End, where they headed to watch The Lion King, and the loved-up couple were seen enjoying coffee and pastry dates in between.

Captioning a string of photos on Instagram, Julian wrote: “A little bit of life outside of the Ballroom. I’ve been trying to enjoy some Xmas festivities that London has to offer, but so far I’m loving London this time of the year. @sofiaoa_ finally got to see @thelionkinguk and it was just magical. Semi final chaos is in full swing and I’m loving it, but making sure I’m still trying to make some time for Sof and I and enjoy London. #london #life #bbcstrictly.”

And fans were quick to respond. @lucky1375 said: “Oh my god, the cinnamon buns look phenomenal!! Good luck to you and @leesopal this week, I’ll be rooting for you!” @jeaneandress commented: “You have been absolutely fantastic in this series. Hope you’re going to be on the tour.”

@gaynorlawrence3 posted: “Really enjoying you and balvinder @leesopal on strictly, you are both amazing! Glad you are enjoying your time here – you always have our vote.” @simplysu22 added: “Another Beautiful human. Gorgeous photo of you both. All votes and best wishes for more spectacular dances from you and Bal this Saturday.”