Strictly contestant Balvinder Sopal seeks support from Gillingham residents

Balvinder Sopal, known for her role in EastEnders, has called on residents of her hometown to back her as she strives to reach the final four of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. The actor, originally from Gillingham, Kent, shared on social media that she is a Gills girl through and through and encouraged fans to rally for Medway.

Alongside her professional dance partner, Julian Caillon, Sopal made history last Saturday by surviving five dance-offs, marking the first time any couple has achieved this milestone in the 21-year history of the show.

Ahead of the quarter-finals, Sopal appealed directly to her local supporters: We're not too far off the end of the competition. I need everyone in Medway to get behind this proud Medway girl and help us go as far as possible.

The duo faced off again on Sunday and won their fifth dance-off, which resulted in fellow contestant Alex Kingston leaving the competition. Sopal, who has portrayed Suki Panesar on EastEnders since 2020, emphasized her connection to the Medway towns: I love where I come from. I want to represent Gillingham and the Medway towns. Let's do this for Medway.

She also reflected on her journey through the competition, noting her resilience after repeatedly finishing in the bottom two: Your support means more than anything. Your messages humble me and keep me going.

For musicals week, Sopal and Caillon are preparing to perform a Viennese Waltz to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. She added: With your continued support, we can achieve great things in this competitionperhaps even lift that glitterball trophy.

Local MP Naushabah Khan, a close friend of Sopal, praised her dedication: Balvinder is making Medway proud. She has faced dance-offs multiple times but always returns stronger. She needs to see our support and votes.

A school in the area, where Sopals niece is a student, also shared their encouragement, posting: We wish Balvinder the very best of luck.

Author: Maya Henderson