Strictly Come Dancing Star Tearfully Opens Up About Family Loss and a Challenging Year

In the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing, emotions ran high as stars showcased their dancing skills. The show reached its midpoint, with notable performances and heartfelt stories capturing the audience’s attention.

Ellie Goldstein’s Journey Ends

Ellie Goldstein, a contestant and EastEnders star, faced elimination after a dance-off against Balvinder Sopal. Despite achieving a score of 27, she was ultimately voted out when the judges saved Balvinder and her partner Julian Caillon. Ellie expressed her admiration for her partner Vito Coppola, referring to him as her ‘big brother’ following their time on the show.

Balvinder Sopal’s Emotional Tribute

During the show, Balvinder opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her mother, which deeply affected her. Before her performance, she became emotional reflecting on their strong bond. Balvinder performed a lively Punjabi Bhangra for her Couple’s Choice dance, dedicating it to her late mother.

Remembering Her Mother

• Balvinder shared personal memories, recalling how Saturdays at home were filled with energy thanks to her mother.
• She described her mother as a vital part of her life, saying, “Losing my mum felt like and still does, feel like I’ve lost a part of me.”
• She recalled simple yet profound moments, like enjoying tea wrapped up together after work.

Finding Strength Through Dance

Throughout the competition, Balvinder emphasized her desire to be visible, inspired by her mother’s encouragement. She stated, “This is my yes year, and I’m going to do it because I want to be seen, because my mum would want me to be seen.”

Heartwarming Memories Audiences Cherished

In a poignant moment during the show, Balvinder listened to an interview of her mother, recorded for BBC Radio Kent. Her mother’s encouraging words resonated with viewers as she advised to “try your best and keep optimistic.” Balvinder shared that fulfilling her dreams on Strictly would make her mother incredibly proud.

Performance Scores

Balvinder and her partner scored 34 points for their performance, marking her best score yet on the show. The series continues to highlight the contestants’ journeys both on and off the dance floor, reminding viewers of the deep personal stories behind each performance.

Strictly Come Dancing remains accessible for viewers on BBC iPlayer, showcasing a blend of entertainment, talent, and emotional narratives.