Strictly Come Dancing professional Julian Caillon was left in tears before Saturday’s semi-final
16:04, 13 Dec 2025
A Strictly Come Dancing star broke down in tears after an emotional reunion, just hours before the semi-final. The 23rd series of the beloved BBC programme is drawing to a close as the contest has narrowed down to just four remaining celebrities, who are all hoping to wow the judges with two fresh routines tonight (Saturday, December 13).
However, before stepping onto the legendary dance floor alongside celebrity partner Balvinder Sopal, new pro Julian Caillon was treated to an incredibly touching moment.
The dancer shared an Instagram video earlier today showing his mother’s unexpected arrival at Elstree, having travelled all the way from Australia to witness his ballroom performances. The footage captured Julian immediately breaking down in tears as he rushed to hug his mum, reports Wales Online.
Julian Caillon received an emotional surprise on Saturday(Image: Instagram/@julian_caillon)READ MORE: Strictly judge ‘couldn’t sleep’ after Lewis Cope was axed from showREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Amber Davies in tears as Nikita Kuzmin shares sweet tribute
“I can’t believe it!!” Julian wrote beneath the post, with The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony soundtracking the moving clip.
“My gorgeous mum has flown all the way from Australia just to surprise me and come support Bal and I in tonight’s @bbcstrictly semi final.
“I didn’t think my family would get to see me dance and this has just filled my heart with so much love. If I wasn’t already buzzing to dance tonight, now I’m even more excited!”
Reacting to the touching surprise, Julian’s mum, Laurence, commented: “@julian_caillon you are my world and it would have killed me to not be able to share such an amazing moment with you!! Even my worst fear of flying could not stop me. So happy to be able to meet your Strictly family. Can’t wait for tonight. Bring it on Team Balian.”
The star’s mum flew in from Australia(Image: Instagram/@julian_caillon)
Julian’s Strictly colleagues also expressed their support in the comments, with his celebrity partner Balvinder posting: “Oh Jules. Oh my heart,” accompanied by several heart emojis.
Dianne Buswell chimed in: “This is so sweet,” while Amy Dowden added: “Oh Jules! Can’t wait to meet her later.”
Katya Jones echoed the sentiment: “This is so beautiful!!! So happy for you,” while Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk and Motsi Mabuse shared heart emojis.
In tonight’s semi-final, Balvinder and Julian will perform a Waltz to At This Moment by Michael Bublé, as well as a Salsa to a Gloria Estefan mash-up of Rhythm is Gonna Get You and Get on Your Feet.
Julian and his celeb partner Balvinder Sopal are in the semi-final(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu will also dance a Waltz and a Salsa to Whitney Houston’s One Moment in Time and Vicki Sue Robinson’s Turn the Beat Around, respectively.
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin will showcase a Couple’s Choice to Raye’s rendition of Fly Me to the Moon, along with a Tango to Higher by Michael Bublé.
Lastly, George Clarke and Alexis Warr will take on a Charleston to We No Speak Americano by Yolanda Be Cool, with their second routine being a Samba to Volare by Gipsy Kings.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
