EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal has been flooded with messages of support from fans and co-stars after she announced she would be swapping Albert Square for the Strictly ballroom
EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal has posted a heartfelt message to supporters after confirming she’ll appear on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 46-year-old is renowned for her role as Suki Panesar on the BBC One drama, but will now juggle between Walford and the iconic dance floor as her “Strictly dream” becomes reality after “21 years”.
Since 2019, Suki has been central to some of EastEnders’ most compelling and praised storylines, from her involvement with ‘The Six’ to her turbulent romance with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) and their recent unsuccessful surrogacy journey.
The performer has now opened up about joining the beloved BBC dance competition following her initial day of practice sessions.
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Posting on Instagram on Saturday (August 16), Balvinder penned: “A dream 21 years in the making from when I first asked my agent to ask @bbcstrictly if I could be on the show. Never did I ever think it would happen”, reports Plymouth Live.
“And now…. since the announcement my feet haven’t touched the ground. And we haven’t even started properly. Yesterday was a big day; our first day meeting and greeting the Strictly Team, the other brilliant and talented contestants, and of course, the PROS.”
She continued: “Watching the pros on telly is one thing… seeing them in person is a whole other story. In absolute awe.
“@bbceastenders – simply THANK YOU for allowing this to happen, @bbcstrictly THANK YOU for asking me.
“And thank you to every single one of you whom have sent messages of love and support, and shared in my absolute delight and excitement of this wonderful opportunity.”
Balvinder concluded: “It’s going to be tough, but I know one thing for sure, I am going to savour every single second of my journey on Strictly Come Dancing. Come, let’s dance.”
Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, who portrayed Balvinder’s on-screen daughter Ash in EastEnders, expressed her support by saying: “ROOTING FOR YOU MUMMA!!”.
Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, simply posted a series of love hearts, while Shiv Jalota, the actor behind Vinny Panesar, exclaimed: “Ahhhhhhh here we goooooo.”
Coronation Street’s Vicky Myers, known for her role as Lisa Swain, added her encouragement with: “You’ve got this #teambal.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
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