Strictly: Balvinder Sopal was ‘crushed’ after dance of

Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal has been dealt another crushing blow ahead of this weekend’s live show. The EastEnders actress, 46, is partnered with new professional dancer Julian Caillon this year, competing against the likes of Lewis Cope, Vicky Pattison, Amber Davies, La Voix and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The competition this year has seen Thomas Skinner, Chris Robshaw and Ross King eliminated so far, while Dani Dyer and Stefan Dennis were forced to withdraw on medical grounds.

Balvinder has already had to face the dance-off twice, but was saved by judges both times. However, she currently stands at the lowest odds of winning, and therefore a favourite to be out this weekend. According to Betway, YouTuber George Clarke is a favourite to win, at odds of 5/2, followed by Lewis Cope and Vicky Pattison at 9/2 and 6/1 respectively. At the bottom end, both Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink stand at 40/1, followed by La Voix at 50/1 and Balvinder at 100/1.

Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon (Image: BBC)

This comes after Balvinder admitted her time on the show had been “terrifying” during an appearance on Loose Women.

She said: “I’m loving every second of it, it is terrifying but it’s a lovely terrifying.”

Her pro partner Julian has also shared his support for her despite them being in the bottom two, taking to Instagram last weekend and saying: “Well that was stressful So incredibly proud of @leesopal. Being in a dance off is tough, but backing it up 2 weeks in a row was a tough mental challenge.

“A massive shoutout to @chrisrobshawrugby and @nadiyabychkova who danced amazingly and are just simply 2 incredible human beings.

The duo are least likely to win as odds stand (Image: BBC)

“We live to fight another day and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do. Bring on Icons week! Thank you to everyone for the support, we need you guys more than ever.”

Meanwhile, viewers are anticipating a change to the Strictly final as Stefan had to bow out, with Anton Du Beke suggesting on This Morning: “I don’t know, I’ve not spoken to producers but I think we’ll probably end up with three in the final.”

The Neighbours actor, 66, pulled out of the third live show of the series due to medical reasons, but just days after his return to the ballroom with partner Dianne Buswell – who is the first pregnant star performing on the show – announced he was stepping back.

Stefan shared in a statement: “This Morning, I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey.

Balvinder previously spoke of the ‘terrifying’ experience (Image: BBC)

“Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the comp and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday, I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.”

He continued: “I can’t tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely, especially, as there has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself.

“I owe both the Strictly Family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife (When my leg is better). Fun face for all the avid Neighbours fans… It’s the same leg!”