The couple had a tricky weekend in the ballroom as week ten of the BBC One dance contest took place
Strictly Come Dancing stars Julian Caillon and Balvinder Sopal(Image: Julian Caillon Instagram)
Julian Caillon has declared ‘who would have thought’ as he reflected on him and Balvinder Sopal making it through to another week on Strictly Come Dancing.
The couple had a tricky weekend in the ballroom as week ten of the BBC One dance contest took place on Saturday night (November 29) at the show’s Elstree Studios home.
EastEnders star Balvinder and Julian performed one of their best routines of the series when they appeared in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the programme’s annual special, after they and their fellow couples were told no one would be elimnated due to La Voix’s unexpected withdrawal.
However, as they returned to their usual ballroom, the pressure was back on as only five of the six remaining couples could make it through to the 2025 series’ quarter-final stage – which also happens to be the show’s annual Musicals Week special.
As for Balvinder and Julian, they placed fifth on the leaderboard after scoring 28 points for their jive to Maxine Nightingale’s Right Back Where We Started From, with the actress clearly deflated as the routine came to an end.
In response to the performance, which Balvinder admitted didn’t go as she hopes, judge Anton Du Beke said: “There must be something in the water tonight. It was super, really, apart from the mistakes.
Balvinder and Julian during their latest performance(Image: PA)
“What happens is, when you don’t commit to one leg or the other, you get sort of between the feet, and then get on the wrong foot, and it’s all of that old malarkey, because there was so much to like. You had this enthusiasm, this vivacity.”
The introduction of the Instant Dance challenge saw Balvinder and Julian manage their total score after placing second with a paso doble. But having still landed at the end of the latest scoreboard, Balvinder and Julian were seen going up against Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe in the dreaded dance-off.
Both couples had to perform again before the judges cast their verdict. Anton Du Beke was seen choosing to save Alex and Johannes,k while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse saved Balvinder and Julian. Head judge Shirley Ballas, who had the casting vote this week, decided to also save Balvinder and Julian, securing their place in week 11.
It meant that Balvinder and Julian, who only joined the professional dancer line-up this year, broke the show’s record for surviving the most dance-offs. But they’re not letting it dapen their spirits.
As the dust settled on another rollercoaster of a weekend, Julian took to Instagram with a string of snaps he’d taken on Saturday night. As well as Balvinder, Julian’s fiancee, Sofia, was also seen supporting them in the ballroom, while he also posed alongside a number of his fellow competitors.
Julian with his fiancee, Sofia, and Balvinder in the Strictly ballroom(Image: Julian Caillon Instagram)
Alongside the post, the Australian star shared: “Week 10 BTS. We’re into the quarterfinals!! Who would’ve thought! I’m so proud of @leesopal! She has proven how strong and tenacious she is, and if anyone embodies the never die attitude it’s her!
“Bal you deserve this! In 21 years of @bbcstrictly no one has ever survived 5 dance offs and that says so much about your character! Thank you to everyone for supporting us always. Bring on MUSICALS week!”
And they were quickly flooded with messages of support. @bal_sopal_fans said: “So very proud of the two of you. That incredible instant Paso really showed what a perfect partnership you make…bring on Week 11! (Also, the fact that both you and Alexis have made the Quarter Final in your first year is soo impressive).”
@bethanyh___ commented: “Well done team balian! you smashed both dances. You’re troopers and I’m rooting for you.” @lorna_m_lovestoread shared: “You guys are amazing and you totally deserve to be in the quarterfinals. Bal is so strong and she has a fantastic supportive partner on you. Keep fighting, go #TeamBalian.”
@rhiannydd.colleen posted: “Fab-u-lous darling!! It’s been a complete joy watching you dance and seeing bal grow each week. I can only imagine how proud you feel. Congratulations quarter finalists so excited to see your dance Saturday.” @kasg54 added: “What an asset you are. My favourite partnership this year by a country mile.”
