EMOTIONAL EXPLOSION: EastEnders Star Balvinder Sopal ‘ABSOLUTELY STUNNED’ as She Makes EMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT About Joining Strictly Come Dancing 2025

EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal's life away from Suki Panesar - home life in Kent, family and rival soap roles - RSVP Live

EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal is in “absolute awe” after signing on to the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The actor, recognised for her portrayal of Suki Panesar-Unwin, took to Instagram on Saturday to share her excitement.

“A dream 21 years in the making from when I first asked my agent to ask @bbcstrictly if I could be on the show. Never did I ever think it would happen. And now…. since the announcement, my feet haven’t touched the ground. And we haven’t even started properly,” Sopal began.

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“Yesterday was a big day; our first day meeting and greeting the Strictly Team, the other brilliant and talented contestants, and of course, the PROS. Watching the pros on telly is one thing… seeing them in person is a whole other story. In absolute awe,” she continued.

After thanking both EastEnders and Strictly for allowing her to take part, the TV star added that while “it’s going to be tough,” she would “savour” every moment of the journey.

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Ahead of its launch show in autumn, the BBC has already confirmed this year’s line-up of celebrity contestants.

Joining Sopal, fans will watch as Love Island star Dani Dyer, actor Alex Kingston, Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, YouTuber George Clarke and RuPaul’s Drag Race favourite La Voix take to the ballroom.

Completing the line-up, former rugby player Chris Robshaw, model Ellie Goldstein, TV personality Thomas Skinner, presenter Vicky Pattinson, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, broadcaster Ross King, former football player Karen Carney and DJ Kristian Nairn will also compete for the coveted Glitterball trophy.

Meanwhile, many of the Strictly pros are confirmed to return for season 23, with the exception of Gorka Márquez who will be busy judging the Spanish version of the show, Bailando Con Las Estrellas.

Amidst the news of his absence, two new professionals – Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon – have signed on for the series. This year’s pairings are yet to be announced.