Strictly Come Dancing's fifth celebrity announced as EastEnders star
Balvinder Sopal has been revealed as the newest celebrity joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup.
The BBC performer, recognised for playing Suki Panesar in EastEnders, is now set to battle for the coveted glitterball trophy alongside fellow contestants already confirmed for the series.
The announcement was made during Tuesday's Good Morning Britain broadcast, with entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold delivering the thrilling update to ITV audiences.
While revealing the news, Richard highlighted previous EastEnders alumni who had taken part in Strictly, mentioning Maisie Smith, Bobby Brazier, and Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Discussing her participation in the upcoming series, Balvinder revealed that dancing is one of her pastimes and she's looking forward to being part of the programme, reports Wales Online.
She remarked: "I can't believe it! I'm really, really excited, I can't stop the butterflies! Every time I think about it, they just go. I'm hoping I'll be able to contain them on the floor."
When questioned about her dancing abilities, Balvinder quipped: "Well, we'll find out, won't we?"
The soap actress informed Richard that she'd previously tried ballroom and Latin dancing and found it delightful, though her enthusiasm stems largely from the energy and fervour found in Latin choreography.
Nevertheless, the BBC performer assured fans she won't be departing Albert Square to participate in Strictly, stating: "I'll still be working here (EastEnders).
"So, I'll be doing two jobs. I don't know how I'm going to handle it. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm really looking forward to it, we'll see."
The opportunity to participate in the show seems to hold a deep emotional connection for Balvinder as she reflected on her late mother, who passed away last year.
Reflecting on her mother's influence, she expressed, "I think this is her dream actually, she would've been extremely proud, so yeah, holding mum's legacy up."
While the soap actress hinted at having a few preferred professional dancers in mind for the show, she kept the details under wraps, choosing not to reveal her top choices just yet.
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