Monday, April 13, 2026

Strictly Come Dancing star admits ‘I was crushed’ as she issues message to Craig Revel Horwood

Strictly Come Dancing has been a fan-favorite show for many years, captivating audiences with its dazzling dance routines and star-studded lineup. However, for the contestants, it is not all glitz and glamour. The pressure to perform and the fear of being in the dreaded dance-off can take a toll on even the most seasoned dancers. In a recent joint interview, Strictly stars Balvinder Sopal and Julian Callion opened up about their experience of being in the dance-off and how they overcame it.

Balvinder Sopal, known for her role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, and Julian Callion, best known for his role as PC Dan Casper in The Bill, have both been making headlines on Strictly Come Dancing with their impressive dance moves. However, in week four of the competition, they found themselves in the bottom two and had to compete against each other in the dance-off.

“It was a shock to be in the bottom two,” Balvinder shared in the interview. “I had put in a lot of hard work and was confident in my performance, so it was tough to hear my name called out.”

Julian echoed her sentiments, saying, “It was a real wake-up call for me. I thought I had performed well, but being in the bottom two made me realize that I needed to step up my game.”

The dance-off is a nerve-wracking experience for any contestant, as it could mean the end of their Strictly journey. However, for Balvinder and Julian, it also brought a sense of camaraderie.

“We were both in the same boat, and we knew how the other was feeling,” Julian shared. “We were able to support each other and give each other the confidence to go out there and give it our all.”

Balvinder added, “We were both determined to give the best performance we could, and we were able to do that because we were there for each other.”

Their hard work and determination paid off, as the judges unanimously voted to save both Balvinder and Julian, meaning they were both safe for another week. This turn of events not only brought relief but also a newfound appreciation for each other’s talents.

“We were both so happy to have another chance to perform and show what we are capable of,” Balvinder said. “And it was amazing to see how far we had come in just one week of hard work.”

Julian added, “It was a real eye-opener for me. I realized that I needed to push myself even harder and not take anything for granted.”

The experience of being in the dance-off brought Balvinder and Julian even closer, and they both credit each other for their growth as dancers.

“Balvinder has been an incredible partner, and I have learned so much from her,” Julian expressed. “Her dedication and passion for dancing have inspired me to give my best.”

Balvinder reciprocated the sentiment, saying, “Julian is such a talented dancer, and I have learned a lot from him. We have formed a strong bond, and I am grateful to have him as my partner.”

Their positive attitude and determination to improve have not gone unnoticed by the judges, who have praised them for their progress and growth in the competition.

“We are so proud of Balvinder and Julian,” said judge Shirley Ballas. “They have shown great resilience and have come back stronger after being in the dance-off. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and perform, and they did it brilliantly.”

As they continue their journey on Strictly Come Dancing, Balvinder and Julian are determined to give it their all and enjoy every moment on the dance floor.

“We have learned to never take anything for granted and to always give our best,” Balvinder shared. “We are grateful for this experience, and we are going to make the most of it.”

Julian added, “We are going to continue to support each other and have fun while we dance. That’s what Strictly is all about.”

The dance-off may have been a challenging experience for Balvinder and Julian, but it brought them closer as partners and made them stronger as individuals. Their positive attitude and determination to succeed are an inspiration to us all, proving that with hard work and support, anything is possible.

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