Strictly Come Dancing reveals EastEnders star as fifth name for 2025 series
The actress, who plays Walford matriarch Suki Panesar, was unveiled as the latest name on Good Morning Britain this morning.
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An EastEnders star is the latest famous face confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing
Credit: PA
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Balvinder Sopal will be battling it out for the Glitter Ball trophy
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She is best known for playing Walford's Suki Kaur Panesar
Credit: BBC
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She made the reveal to Richard Arnold on GMB
The ITV breakfast show's showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold 'jumped channels' to make the big reveal on Albert Square.
Balvinder Sopal, 47, was revealed last month by The Sun to be one of the 15 names set to sign for this year's series, which kicks off next month.
In the GMB reveal she said: "I cant believe it
"I'm really really excited I cant stop the butterflies, every time I think about it.
"I'm hoping to contain it while I'm on the floor."
She revealed she's had past experience of dancing and added: "I dabbled a little bit, I did ballroom and Latin as a hobby and really loved it.
"When you've got a passion for something you're more inclined to enjoy it."
She then confirmed she preferred Latin and was looking forward to the Argentine Tango - and would be continuing her EastEnders role throughout her Strictly stint.
In an emotional moment, Balvinder then told how she was doing the show for her mum, who was a huge fan.
SOAP CAREER
Balvinder's character Suki initially joined as a villain, faking cancer to win over her family who had all turned against her.
But over the years she finally won them over, managing to escape the clutches of her abusive husband Nish who tried to kill her after discovering she had a secret lesbian affair with Eve Unwin.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Star-Studded Rumored Line-Up Revealed
Suki finally married her lover having spent her entire adult life hiding her true sexuality and the couple now live with her son Vinny and stepson Ravi, and his children Davinder and Avani, and front various local businesses.
SQUARE SUCCESS STORIES
Balvinder joins a long list of Albert Square residents who have competed on the BBC1 dance series - and done sensationally well.
Last year, Jamie Borthwick got the call up, following on from Bobby Brazier (2023), James Bye (2022), Rose Ayling-Ellis (2021), Maisie Smith (2020) and Emma Barton (2019).
Previous Albert Square dancers have also included Brian Conley (2017), Tameka Empson (2016), Kellie Bright (2015), Jake Wood (2014), Sid Owen (2012), Scott Maslen (2010), Ricky Groves (2009), Gillian Taylforth (2008), Letitia Dean (2007), Louisa Lytton (2006) Patsy Palmer (2005) and Christopher Parker (2004).
Strictly 2025 rumoured line-up
Angellica Bell: A familiar face on British television, Angellica is a seasoned TV presenter known for her work on shows like CBBC and The One Show. She's no stranger to reality TV, having recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul C. Brunson: The charismatic relationship expert and matchmaker from Married At First Sight UK, Paul is known for his insightful advice and warm personality. Swapping the sofa for the samba, he's tipped to bring a touch of class and intelligence to the competition.
Dani Dyer: Rising to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018, Dani has remained in the public eye with various TV appearances. The daughter of actor Danny Dyer, she's reportedly agreed to take part.
Vicky Pattison: A reality TV stalwart who first found fame on Geordie Shore, Vicky has successfully transitioned into a presenter and author. Having supported her friend Pete Wicks on the show last year, it seems she's ready to put on her own dancing shoes.
Ashley Cain: Former footballer and reality TV star from Ex on the Beach, Ashley has more recently become known for his incredible charity work and campaigning.
Stacey Solomon: Known for her down-to-earth charm and successful BBC shows like Sort Your Life Out, fans are eager to see if she can translate her infectious energy to the ballroom.
Georgia Toffolo: Best known as "Toff" from Made in Chelsea and for winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2017, Georgia is a seasoned reality TV star.
Thomas Skinner: The lively entrepreneur who became a fan favourite on The Apprentice in 2019, Thomas is known for his larger-than-life personality and catchphrase "Bosh!". Despite admitting to no dancing experience, he's reportedly "up for giving it his best shot."
Tom Parker Bowles: The renowned food writer and critic, and son of Queen Camilla, is a surprising but intriguing name on the rumour list. A regular on MasterChef, it remains to be seen if his culinary precision translates to ballroom finesse.
Sir Mo Farah: The legendary Olympic long-distance runner is considered a national treasure.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: The former Premier League football striker, famous for his time at Leeds and Chelsea, is another sporting name being linked.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey: Known as "Nitro" from the BBC's Gladiators reboot and a former Team GB sprinter, Harry has already shown off some moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
Balvinder Sopal: The talented actress known for her role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, Balvinder would follow a long line of successful soap stars on Strictly.
Jake Brown: The winner of The Traitors series three, Jake's name has emerged as a potential contestant.
Stefan Dennis: The actor, 66, has played six-times married Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985 and now the soap is coming to an end, his schedule is clear.
Balvinder is the fifth contestant confirmed by the BBC.
Yesterday Gladiators' Nitro, ex-Love Islander Dani Dyer, actress Alex Kingston and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were all named as having signed for the contest.
The BBC are expected to reveal the remaining contestants over the coming week.
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She admitted she had done Ballroom and Latin in the past
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Balvinder follows a long line of EastEnders stars on the show
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