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Strictly Come Dancing’s Balvinder Sopal broke down in tears ahead of the show’s episode on Saturday as she revealed her mother had passed away last year.
The soap star, 46, and her professional partner Julian Caillon performed to Ed Sheeran’s Sapphire dressed head-to-toe in gold.
Balvinder dedicated her Bollywood couple’s choice dance to her mother Nirmal Sopal, who passed away in February 2024.
Ahead of her glitzy performance, Balvinder revealed her mother was part of the reason why she agreed to do Strictly.
She said: ‘Last year was a really terrible year for us. Losing my mum felt like. and still does, losing a part of me.
‘My mum and I had a brilliant relationship and one of the things I loved was coming home from work and sitting down and having a cup of tea with my mum. We would be wrapped up in a blanket and we would just be warm together
Strictly Come Dancing’s Balvinder Sopal, 46, broke down in tears ahead of the show’s episode on Saturday as she revealed her mother had passed away last year
The soap star, 46, paid tribute to her mum, Nirmal Sopal, who passed away in February 2024, as she dedicated her Bollywood couple’s choice dance to her
‘I’d said no to every single thing that came my way. Then Strictly came knocking and I thought “yes, this is my yes year and I’m going to do it because I want to be seen. because my mum would want to be seen”.’
Last month, Balvinder revealed the ballroom dance show is taking a toll on her mental health after she landed in the dance-off twice.
But internet trolls and the tough rehearsal schedule have taken a toll on her mental health.
She told the Mail on Sunday: ‘I am really surprised at how mentally taxing it has been, I don’t know why.
‘Because it’s not just the dancing you have to think about, it’s everything else around it. It’s balancing work life, family life and then all the stuff that you might see online because we’ve been in the dance off twice.
‘It’s people’s opinions and attitudes stuff, but you just have to stop that. Sometimes you have to get out of your head and enjoy it because that’s what we’re here for.’
Two years ago, the actress Amanda Abbington revealed she had been diagnosed with mild PTSD after the show, ‘for several reasons both personal and professional,’ and spoke of an exhausting rehearsal schedule.
Meanwhile, the long-time hosts Tess Daly, 56, and Claudia Winkelman, 53, made a shock announcement this week that they would be leaving the show together after this series.
Balvinder and her professional partner Julian Caillon performed to Ed Sheeran’s Sapphire dressed head-to-toe in gold
Ahead of her glitzy performance, Balvinder revealed her mother was part of the reason why she agreed to do Strictly
Last month, Balvinder revealed the ballroom dance show is taking a toll on her mental health after she landed in the dance-off twice
Claudia is going on to host a chat show with the same producers as Graham Norton, while it was always agreed that she and Tess would leave the BBC show at the same time.
Opening up about how the current cast of Strictly feel about the announcement, Balvinder l said: ‘Some of us are quite sad because it is the end of an era.
‘They are of the old school of Strictly, the time of Len Goodman and Bruce Forsythe, they bring all of that legacy with them.
‘So when they depart, we’re going to have two new people that are going to change direction, it will be a completely different show.’
She added: ‘Claudia is so funny and they’re so organic. They really are the best friends, they’re the matriarchs of the show and they’ve taken care of the show in the best possible way.’
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
Amber Davies
Age: 28
Profession: West End star
She says: ‘This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.’
