Latest news with #BalvinderSopal
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans demand character is axed over bizarre new storyline
EASTENDERS fans are demanding the axe falls on Suki Panesar after a bizarre new storyline. The businesswoman - who is played by actress Balvinder Sopal in the BBC soap - discovered her step-grandaughter Avani was pregnant earlier this month. 2 2 It came after Avani slept with abusive incel Joel Marshall in the controversial storyline. But things took a dark twist recently when Avani decided to have a termination and Suki tried to stop her. And in a further bizarre twist, Suki, a mother of four already, decided she was desperate for another baby - specifically Avani's. She has convinced Avani to have the baby and give it to her and wife Eve to raise it. However, Eve doesn't know of Suki's plan and has not yet even agreed to change her mind about having children. The entire storyline has seen viewers turn on Suki and call for her to be axed. One wrote: 'Suki is just so vile right now. 'The worst she's ever been, which is such a terrible shame after she's been so excellent for the last few years. 'I was such a huge Suki stan until literally this last fortnight.' A second said: '[EastEnders] is ruining Suki. I'd rather her be axed now than see this continue. So grim.' EastEnders reveals New Year's Day bloodbath survivors - and who DIES Another added: 'You cannot defend Suki and say that her behaviour is 'in character' or a 'trauma response' when it's actually just bad writing and controversy for controversy's sake.' A fourth commented: 'Years of character development erased in a fortnight. Time for Suki to go.' Darkest soap storylines Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock... EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) - Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca's adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police. Emmerdale: Holly's drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) - In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale's first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose. Hollyoaks: Luke's rape (2000) - Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap's first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs - who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance. Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) - Just a mere mention of 'Richard Hillman' is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it's not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn't.
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders fans spot massive issue as Balvinder Sopal set to sign up for Strictly
Keep scrolling to see what fans pointed out show sleuths EastEnders fans spot massive issue as Balvinder Sopal set to sign up for Strictly Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS fans have spotted as a huge issue as star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for Strictly. The Sun revealed that Balvinder, who plays Suki Panesar, is set to join this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 The Sun revealed EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for Strictly Credit: Getty 4 The actress plays matriarch Suki Panesar in the BBC soap Credit: BBC 4 Suki was originally introduced as a villain - but later won her family over Credit: BBC A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Writing online, soap fans have already spotted a big issue with the 46-year-old taking part. One wrote on Reddit: "Exciting! Didn't she have a leg injury though?" Another confirmed: "She broke her foot in 2024." At least year's Baftas, Balvinder wore a gold ballet pump on one foot and a moonboot on the other, as well as supporting herself with crutches. The injury was later written into the character Suki's storyline in the BBC soap Meanwhile, other fans shared their excitement for Balvinder on Strictly, with one penning: "I'll be rooting for her, excited to watch." A second person agreed: "YAASSSSS IM SO EXCITED FOR HER." While a third remarked: "Can't wait to see her outfits!!" EastEnders' Priya brutally blackmails Suki Panesar over her affair Before joining EastEnders in 2020, Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Her character Suki was initially a villain, who faked cancer in a bid to win over her family who'd turned against her. She won their trust over the years - and has since built up a life in Albert Square. This includes a lesbian affair with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), which ultimately evolved into the two getting married. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. The most recent example is Jamie Borthwick - aka Jay Brown - who took part in 2024. This followed 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). A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation."
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans spot massive issue as Balvinder Sopal set to sign up for Strictly
EASTENDERS fans have spotted as a huge issue as star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for Strictly. The Sun revealed that Balvinder, who plays Suki Panesar, is set to join this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up. 4 4 A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Writing online, soap fans have already spotted a big issue with the 46-year-old taking part. One wrote on Reddit: "Exciting! Didn't she have a leg injury though?" Another confirmed: "She broke her foot in 2024." At least year's Baftas, Balvinder wore a gold ballet pump on one foot and a moonboot on the other, as well as supporting herself with crutches. The injury was later written into the character Suki's storyline in the BBC soap Meanwhile, other fans shared their excitement for Balvinder on Strictly, with one penning: "I'll be rooting for her, excited to watch." A second person agreed: "YAASSSSS IM SO EXCITED FOR HER." While a third remarked: "Can't wait to see her outfits!!" Before joining EastEnders in 2020, Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Her character Suki was initially a villain, who faked cancer in a bid to win over her family who'd turned against her. She won their trust over the years - and has since built up a life in Albert Square. This includes a lesbian affair with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), which ultimately evolved into the two getting married. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. The most recent example is Jamie Borthwick - aka Jay Brown - who took part in 2024. This followed 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). A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation."
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 set to sign huge EastEnders star after dramatic Six murder
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing is set to sign a big EastEnders star for this year's series, The Sun can exclusively reveal. The soap actress joins a long list of Albert Square residents who have competed on the BBC1 dance series - and done sensationally well. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Credit: Getty 4 Balvinder has played Suki Panesar for five years in EastEnders Credit: BBC The lucky star gearing up for the dance floor is Balvinder Sopal, 46, plays Walford matriarch Suki Panesar. Her hard-nosed character was one of the infamous 'Six' who covered up the murder of mechanic Keanu Taylor. A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks before bagging her breakthrough role on EastEnders. Her 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. 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. In 2024 she was recognised for her work on Albert Square by winning the Soap Superstar gong at the Inside Soap Awards for her part in Keanu's death cover up - and bloody battles with husband Nish. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. EastEnders reveals New Year's Day bloodbath survivors - and who DIES 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). A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation." 4 Jamie Borthwick appeared on the show last year Credit: PA
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 set to sign huge EastEnders star after dramatic Six murder
STRICTLY Come Dancing is set to sign a big EastEnders star for this year's series, The Sun can exclusively reveal. The soap actress joins a long list of Albert Square residents who have competed on the BBC1 dance series - and done sensationally well. 4 Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing Credit: Getty 4 Balvinder has played Suki Panesar for five years in EastEnders Credit: BBC The lucky star gearing up for the dance floor is Balvinder Sopal, 46, plays Walford matriarch Suki Panesar. Her hard-nosed character was one of the infamous 'Six' who covered up the murder of mechanic Keanu Taylor. A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Read more on Strictly Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks before bagging her breakthrough role on EastEnders. Her 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. 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. Most read in Soaps In 2024 she was recognised for her work on Albert Square by winning the Soap Superstar gong at the Inside Soap Awards for her part in Keanu's death cover up - and bloody battles with husband Nish. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. EastEnders reveals New Year's Day bloodbath survivors - and who DIES Last year, Jamie Borthwick got the call up, following on from Previous Albert Square dancers have also included A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation." 4 Jamie Borthwick appeared on the show last year Credit: PA 4 Bobby Brazier took part in 2023 Credit: Rex
