Richard Madeley sparked major debate on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two after delivering a blistering critique of the judging panel.
The Good Morning Britain host, appeared on Friday night’s episode hosted by Fleur East, and took aim at what he sees as unfair treatment towards EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal – and he didn’t mince his words.
Richard insisted Balvinder has been ‘consistently underrated and underserved,’ arguing that despite ‘good scores,’ she continues to be ‘underscored by the judges’ and unfairly overlooked by viewers.
He added that he’s ‘never understood’ why she keeps landing in the bottom two, saying he believes she’s ‘one of the best’ celebrities left in the competition.
But while he championed her natural ability, Richard who appeared on the sofa alongside Dragons Den Sara Davies and Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn, admitted he had doubts about her upcoming Jive, suggesting the fast choreography may not suit her.
He said: ‘I’m not sure the jive is a natural dance for her. She’s full of warmth and grace and charm. She’s beautiful when she moves around. I’m not sure the jive is her thing. I think she’ll struggle a bit. I don’t think she’ll get a 10.’
Richard Madeley sparked major debate on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two after delivering a blistering critique of the judging panel
His outspoken comments immediately lit up social media, with many viewers applauding him for saying what they’ve been thinking.
Taking to X they wrote: ‘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’
‘Finally Richard said what we all have been thinking ..I hope she makes through and that jive looking good to me’
‘Absolutely this! It needed saying what Richard said, she’s been underscored and underrated. Bring on the Jive ❤️ ‘
‘I do feel sorry for Bal I think they throw her under the bus lv xx Bal she is bloody incredible Bal ❤’
Balvinder enters the weekend as the bookmakers’ favourite to leave the show, with Betway placing her at 250/1 significantly lower than other at-risk stars including Alex Kingston at 33/1 and Amber Davies at 20/1, as the semi-final looms just two weeks away.
Richard’s comments come after Balvinder revealed that it’s ‘not always easy to keep it together’ behind the ‘glitz and glamour’ of Strictly – after being in the dance off four times in eight weeks.
The EastEnders actress, 46, and her pro partner Julian Caillon, 30, have had a tough time in the competition so far.
The Good Morning Britain host, appeared on Friday night’s episode hosted by Fleur East , and took aim at what he sees as unfair treatment towards EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal – and he didn’t mince his words
Richard insisted Balvinder has been ‘consistently underrated and underserved,’ arguing that despite ‘good scores,’ she continues to be ‘underscored by the judges’ and unfairly overlooked by viewers
He added that he’s ‘never understood’ why she keeps landing in the bottom two, saying he believes she’s ‘one of the best’ celebrities left in the competition
But while he championed her natural ability, Richard who appeared on the sofa alongside Dragons Den Sara Davies and Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn, admitted he had doubts about her upcoming Jive, suggesting the fast choreography may not suit her (pictured practicing ahead of Saturday nights show)
His outspoken comments immediately lit up social media, with many viewers applauding him for saying what they’ve been thinking
Richard’s comments come after Balvinder revealed that it’s ‘not always easy to keep it together’ behind the ‘glitz and glamour’ of Strictly – after being in the dance off four times in eight weeks
She reflected on her journey in the Instagram post after the show and opened up about how she has been doing ahead of Blackpool which took place last weekend
She wrote in a post: ‘Behind the glitz and glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people’s lives. We still have to manage what goes on outside of the rehearsal room and dance floor, and it’s not always easy to keep it together’
And on Sunday they were in the bottom two yet again – which ended with them being saved and Vicky Pattison being sent home in the ‘most shocking elimination yet’.
She reflected on her journey in an Instagram post after the show and opened up about how she has been doing ahead of Blackpool next weekend.
In a post on Instagram on Sunday she penned: ‘Team Balian are Blackpool bound!!!!! The American Smooth Foxtrot, is now another one of my favourite dances. I loved dancing that with @julian_caillon and it really did feel like it was just me and him out there on the dance floor ☺️
‘Behind the glitz and glamour, the spectacle and the drama are real people’s lives. We still have to manage what goes on outside of the rehearsal room and dance floor, and it’s not always easy to keep it together.
‘But what we do, do – despite everything – is show up, every week, and we tell a story, whether that’s in the dance itself or because of a dance off. We always tell a story.
‘Because at heart we are storytellers. And now, we get to write another chapter in the story of #Balian, in Blackpool with one of my all time favourite dances (soon to be revealed) – someone is definitely shining down on us. I didn’t think we’d make it this far but I am so grateful to still be here & so excited
‘Jules… you are the epitome of strength, just when I think we can’t… you push and unlock another level for us as a team and individually. I am beyond proud of you and #Balian.’
