Balvinder Sopal steps onto the dance floor for what may be one of her final performances, a journey that has profoundly reshaped her self-perception. Beyond the sequins and feathers, she’s discovered a strength and beauty she never knew existed.
“You watch the dances back,” she confessed, “and you think, ‘Oh my God. I look like that. I dance like that – who *is* that person?’” It’s a revelation for a woman who, for the first time, is seeing herself in a completely new light, a light that empowers and inspires.
For Balvinder, known to millions as Suki Panesar on television, this experience has been about more than just learning steps. It’s been about unlocking a confidence she wants to share: “What a feat, you know? Women can burst onto the screen and look as sexy, as beautiful, and dance like that.”
Among the many dances performed over eleven weeks, one holds a particularly special place in her heart – the Couple’s Choice routine. It was a vibrant fusion of Bhangra and Bollywood, a powerful homage to her Punjabi heritage.
The dance wasn’t just steps and music; it was a deeply personal tribute to her late mother. Balvinder recalled her mother’s simple yet profound advice: “Try your best and keep being optimistic.” It was a guiding principle she carried onto the dance floor.
“I am everything I am because of my parents and my upbringing,” Balvinder stated with conviction. “We never shied away from who we were. It was lovely to represent that on a stage like Strictly, where communities and people from all backgrounds watch.”
She emphasized the importance of authentic representation, dismissing the idea that it was merely a token gesture. “It wasn’t, it was a proper celebration of where I come from and an honour to my mum, because she brought me into this world and gave me all the values and morals that I have.”
Strictly, she discovered, is a challenge that extends far beyond the physical. It demands resilience, a strong spirit, and the ability to navigate both the joy of performance and the sting of criticism.
Balvinder admitted the journey hadn’t been easy, acknowledging the “rejection and possibly people not getting behind you.” But she learned to focus on what truly mattered: the connection with her partner, Julian Caillon, and the sheer joy of dancing.
“What matters is the connection that I have with Jules, the fact that I’m taking on what he’s saying, and I’m having an amazing time on that floor,” she explained, a testament to the power of partnership and positive focus.
Looking ahead, Balvinder playfully suggested a fellow cast member from her television family might enjoy the challenge. “Di Parish might want to,” she mused, referring to her *EastEnders* co-star. “She was like, ‘Well, I’ve never been asked.’ I’m like, ‘Well, put your name forward and see what happens.’”
If she could offer one piece of advice to her former self, standing nervously at the start of this incredible journey, it would be simple yet profound: “Keep going, keep going. It’s going to be hard, and you’re going to cry, and you’re going to feel unworthy, but you will get through it. Just enjoy it!”
Julian, ever the playful partner, chimed in with a gentle tease: “Straighten those legs.” Balvinder responded with a laugh, “And straighten those blinking legs.” It’s a moment that encapsulates the spirit of their partnership – supportive, challenging, and filled with joy.
As she prepares for the semi-final, Balvinder Sopal carries with her not just the steps of a dancer, but the strength of her heritage, the love of her family, and a newfound appreciation for the woman she has become.
