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Balvinder Sopal shared the moment she knew it was “game over” on the BBC show (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Balvinder Sopal has revealed the moment she knew her time on the BBC dance competition was over. On Sunday night (December 14), the EastEnders star and her dance partner Julian Caillon found themselves in the dreaded dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin. On the show, both couples performed their routines again, with Balvinder and Julian taking to the stage with their Salsa to Gloria Estefan’s hit Rhythm Is Gonna Get You and Get On Your Feet.

Meanwhile, Amber and Nikita reprised their couple’s choice to Raye’s cover of Fly Me To The Moon. But ultimately, all four judges voted to unanimously eliminate the soap star from the competition, meaning Amber and Nikita will join Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, and George Clarke and Alexis Warr in the live final

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On Monday night (December 15), the soap star and her dance partner joined Fleur East on the sister spin-off show, It Takes Two, where they talked about the dreaded dance-off in detail. It was at this point that the actress confessed to the single moment that she knew it was “game over” for the couple on the ballroom show.

When asked how she felt going up against the West End star, Balvinder confessed: “Amber is a wonderful, wonderful contestant, and a wonderful woman. She is of a different calibre. So going up against Amber… honestly, was game over for us because we’re not of that level, we’re not of that standard. I certainly wasn’t.

“I came into the competition as a novice, I couldn’t literally work the rise and fall of a Waltz step, I didn’t know anything really.” The pro dancer interrupted with: “No matter who we’re in the dance off with, we always give it our best, we do what we do, and we try to top our previous dance from before.”

The TV favourite went on to share all the positives she has gained from competing on the show, the biggest one being her confidence. She gushed: “As the competition went on, my confidence just grew, and I think it is down to our partnership and the way that we work together.”

The soap star lost her place in the competition to Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin (Image: PA)

After watching the emotional interview, some fans were convinced that the soap star “threw Amber under the bus” for her comments on the show. One user asked: “Did Balvinder just completely throw Amber under the bus with that ITT interview? [grimace emoji]”.

Another agreed: “Balvinder said Amber was a different calibre and she entered as a complete novice. It felt very unnecessary… very shady? [grimace emoji] Especially when it’s going to make the pile on for Amber even worse.”

A third pointed out: “Oh dear, Balvinder was my favourite UNTIL she commented on Amber. Nikita said ‘Be Kind’, but Balvinder was a bad loser and threw Amber under the bus!! We know she’s of pro level, we really don’t care, she’s fun to watch! Amber was a last-minute replacement.”

Meanwhile, others praised Balvinder for her exit interview, with one gushing: “Yes, Balvinder, you absolutely should be proud of yourself, the way you handled yourself with grace & dignity and fought through the negativity.” Another echoed: “What a lovely, genuine lady Balvinder is & partnered with such a gentleman, Julian! Well done, both of you, pupil & teacher, be proud!!!”

She looks amazing!

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left doing a double-take after pro Nadiya Bychkova unveiled her dramatic new makeover.

The Ukrainian dancer is a firm favourite on the glitzy BBC One show, making her debut way back in 2017. For this year’s series, she was partnered with Chris Robshaw.

Recently though, Nadiya underwent a major hair makeover and showed off the results to her fans. And it’s fair to say they couldn’t get enough of her new look.

Nadiya is a firm favourite (Credit: BBC)

Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova reveals new hair

On Saturday (December 13) Nadiya took to her Instagram and shared a slew of snaps from her backstage at the semi-finals.

Looking nothing short of sensational, Nadiya rocked a strapless gold gown that oozed style and sophistication. But it was her new hair that got plenty of fans talking.

Strictly star Nadiya rocked a short and choppy bob, complete with shoulder-length length waves and a dramatic new fringe.

Fans ‘didn’t recognise’ Nadiya Bychkova

She captioned the post: “The semi-finals @bbcstrictly. The nerves, the passion, the belief. Cheering for everyone tonight (2 every couple is amazing. Make sure you vote for your favourite.”

Fans wouldn’t get enough of Nadiya’s new hair and flooded the comments section with compliments. One person said: “I absolutely love your new haircut, it really suits you.”

Another added: “Didn’t recognise you, love your hair.” A third also chimed in: “Loving your new hair style girl.”

She showed off her new hair (Credit: ITV)

Nadiya ‘finds love again’

In other Nadiya news, it was recently reported that she found love again, 18 months on from her split from Kai Widdrington.

According to The Sun in October, mum-of-one Nadiya is dating West End actor Ian McIntosh, who is currently performing in Les Misérables.

In pictures obtained by the outlet, Nadiya – who was eliminated from Strictly last week with Chris Robshaw – and Ian were pictured enjoying a coffee date in London. Snaps showed the couple embracing in the street and sharing a laugh while out walking. At one point during their date,

Nadiya was also seen cupping Ian’s face. Speaking to the publication, a source said that Nadiya and Ian “hit it off immediately” and have been dating since earlier this year, after attending a charity gala together in March.

Read more: Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova’s clapback after topless snap past: ‘I wanted the photos for myself’

The Strictly Come Dancing stars narrowly missed out on the final.

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Balvinder and Julian appeared on It Takes Two tonight (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Julian Caillon has shared plans to arrange “double dates” involving his fiancée and his celebrity dance partner, Balvinder Sopal.

The EastEnders actress departed the competition last weekend after setting a record for the highest number of dance-offs in Strictly history.

She came agonisingly close to reaching the final, facing elimination after a dance-off against Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin, who will now battle for the coveted glitterball trophy alongside George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.

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Speaking on It Takes Two this evening (Monday 15 December) with presenter Fleur East, Balvinder expressed her desire to maintain her dancing partnership with Julian.

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Balvinder Sopal and Amber Davies faced the dance-off last weekend(Image: BBC)

 

“I really want to,” she said. “I don’t know where to go, Jules can I just come and see you every week and we can just have a dance?”, reports Wales Online.

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He responded: “Of course! We actually spoke about it before, we love doing the Argentine Tango, so with Leo and Maria, who are the choreographers, and we spoke about doing a double date with our partners, so I definitely think we’ll keep dancing.”

During their appearance on BBC Two this evening, Balvinder and Julian – who joined the Strictly professional roster this year – looked back on their experience throughout the series.

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Balvinder and Julian have missed out on the final(Image: BBC)

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Reflecting on her journey to the final four, Balvinder revealed: “I think she’d be doing somersaults, she’d be like, ‘Wow you actually did it, not only did you say yes, but you got to the semi-final and made it to the last four’. Super, super happy, and so proud.”

Julian, reminiscing about his initial encounter with his dance partner, said: “When we first met, we then got stuck in a room together for five hours, but we actually, within that time, everything I thought about Bal came true.

“I thought she’d be someone that would have my back, someone with whom I’d have a great relationship, I thought that we would have some really good laughs along the way, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Article continues below

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Balvinder and Julian had been in six dance offs before their exit(Image: PA)

He went on to say: “I didn’t think we would make it this far and that isn’t about Bal or anything, more so just going into my first season as well.

“I don’t quite know if I really believed in myself to get us there, but then credit to Bal because I have never believed in myself as a dancer, as much as I do now, and that’s thanks to Bal and the confidence she has given me as well.

 

 

“And thanks to Strictly as well, the magic of Strictly. I wasn’t sure if dancing was what I was meant to do in this world, but now I that I am and that’s thanks to my experience with this amazing woman.”

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Balvinder and Julian appeared on It Takes Two tonight (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Julian Caillon has shared plans to arrange “double dates” involving his fiancée and his celebrity dance partner, Balvinder Sopal.

The EastEnders actress departed the competition last weekend after setting a record for the highest number of dance-offs in Strictly history.

She came agonisingly close to reaching the final, facing elimination after a dance-off against Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin, who will now battle for the coveted glitterball trophy alongside George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.

Speaking on It Takes Two this evening (Monday 15 December) with presenter Fleur East, Balvinder expressed her desire to maintain her dancing partnership with Julian.

View 4 Images

Balvinder Sopal and Amber Davies faced the dance-off last weekend(Image: BBC)

 

“I really want to,” she said. “I don’t know where to go, Jules can I just come and see you every week and we can just have a dance?”, reports Wales Online.

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Unsubscribe at anytime. More info

He responded: “Of course! We actually spoke about it before, we love doing the Argentine Tango, so with Leo and Maria, who are the choreographers, and we spoke about doing a double date with our partners, so I definitely think we’ll keep dancing.”

During their appearance on BBC Two this evening, Balvinder and Julian – who joined the Strictly professional roster this year – looked back on their experience throughout the series.

View 4 Images

Balvinder and Julian have missed out on the final(Image: BBC)

Article continues below

Reflecting on her journey to the final four, Balvinder revealed: “I think she’d be doing somersaults, she’d be like, ‘Wow you actually did it, not only did you say yes, but you got to the semi-final and made it to the last four’. Super, super happy, and so proud.”

Julian, reminiscing about his initial encounter with his dance partner, said: “When we first met, we then got stuck in a room together for five hours, but we actually, within that time, everything I thought about Bal came true.

“I thought she’d be someone that would have my back, someone with whom I’d have a great relationship, I thought that we would have some really good laughs along the way, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Article continues below

View 4 Images

Balvinder and Julian had been in six dance offs before their exit(Image: PA)

He went on to say: “I didn’t think we would make it this far and that isn’t about Bal or anything, more so just going into my first season as well.

“I don’t quite know if I really believed in myself to get us there, but then credit to Bal because I have never believed in myself as a dancer, as much as I do now, and that’s thanks to Bal and the confidence she has given me as well.

“And thanks to Strictly as well, the magic of Strictly. I wasn’t sure if dancing was what I was meant to do in this world, but now I that I am and that’s thanks to my experience with this amazing woman.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 5 winner Ginger Johnson has announced a brand new career move

A RuPaul Drag Race winner has revealed an “unapologetically daft” new venture that’s got fans buzzing.

Ginger Johnson, one of Britain’s most acclaimed drag performers, won the reality show’s fifth series crown in 2023 and swiftly became a household name. The star has even graced the MasterChef kitchen with her presence.

Now, the entertainer has unveiled fresh plans, with supporters hailing it as the “best news ever”. Hot on the heels of her wildly successful 2024 tour Ginger Johnson Blows Off!, she’s hitting the road again with her latest theatrical extravaganza, Show Pony.

Ginger remarked: “In between whipping up a storm in the MasterChef kitchen, I’ve been busy cooking my brand new live show and I can’t wait to dish it out in theatres up and down the UK in 2026 and beyond.”, reports the Mirror.

Branded by the Guardian as “unapologetically daft”, the fresh production will travel nationwide from September 2026 through February 2027, with tickets available for purchase immediately.

RuPaul Drag Race champion Ginger Johnson has announced an “unapologetically daft (Image: Puja Bhatia/Getty Images)

Posting on Instagram earlier this month, Ginger Johnson declared: “Next year I’m saddling up and galloping off on tour all over the UK with my brand new live spectacular SHOW PONY!”.

“You’ve seen me in the Masterchef Kitchen, you’ve seen me on the Drag Race runway, now it’s time to see me in my element: outrageous, untamed and completely off the reins.

“Expect hoof-stomping original songs, whip-smart comedy, and enough glitter to choke a shetland. If unbridled Queer joy is your bag – this show is the safest bet in town.”

 

Ginger has announced 2026 tour plans (Image: Instagram / houseofjohnson)

The announcement sparked an outpouring of enthusiasm, with one fan declaring: “This explains so much you crafty queen! ! !”.

Another exclaimed: “This is the best news ever! ! !” whilst a third noted: “I knew you were up to summat with them bl***y lights.”

A fourth gushed: “OMG ! ! ! sooooo amazing ! ! hoping that i get to see you at Salford! ! this is very exciting.”

After spending 15 years building her reputation as an acclaimed cabaret artist and theatre creator, Ginger catapulted to worldwide fame by claiming victory on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series five.

Her subsequent performances have captivated audiences internationally, solidifying her standing as a formidable drag entertainer. Last year saw her create and feature in her own television programme, Ginger’s House, in 2024.

The Show Pony tour will encompass more than 30 performances between September 2026 and February 2027, visiting venues across London, Leeds and Salford. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the Ginger Johnson website.

The final of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is just days away.

Who will lift the Glitterball Trophy this weekend? (Image: BBC)

With the final now in sight and the final three couples confirmed, Strictly Come Dancing fans are now guessing who will be lifting the Glitterball Trophy this weekend. Yesterday, Amber Davies and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin survived the dreaded dance-off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon to book a spot in Saturday’s final. They will be joining social media star George Clarke and his pro partner Alexis, and ex-footballer Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu. Fans have now “spotted a clue” ahead of the final weekend, which could potentially “reveal” who will win this year’s trophy.

According to The Sun, on Reddit, someone claimed in a thread that George Clarke will win, arguing: “George has more than 3 million followers across his socials. It’s game over.”

 

George Clarke has made it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC / Ray Burmiston)

Another person similarly echoed: “I think it’s pretty obvious from the past few weeks that Amber hasn’t got a hope in hell of winning. I think George has the bigger, more engaged, fans so it will likely be him.”

A third also chimed in: “I think George will win but I hope it’s Karen.” A fourth also said online: “George has got a huge fanbase, he will get the votes.”

Meanwhile, West End star Amber Davies has realised “there’s so much kindness in the world” after reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing.

She said in a video clip on social media: “I just want to come on here and say in the close to a decade I’ve been in the public eye, I have never experienced an outpouring of love the way I have in the last 48 hours.

“To make the Strictly final is… I’m speechless. From how it started, I genuinely can’t believe I’ve made it to the end.”

Amber continued: “I think I’ve needed to do Strictly to realise there’s so much kindness in the world.

“We’re strong when we’re kinder. I’m going to enjoy every single second of this week. I’m rooting for George, I’m rooting for Kaz and I’m just there to enjoy the ride.”

Loose Women icon Ruth Langsford split from her husband of 14 years in 2024, and Eamonn has already moved on with a new girlfriend.

 

Ruth Langsford split from Eamonn Holmes last year (Image: Getty)

Ruth Langsford has issued an emotional marriage update after her split from co-star husband Eamonn Holmes. In a bombshell new confession, Ruth said that despite the difficult situation, she “hasn’t even been put off marriage”, despite separating from Eamonn after 14 years of being husband and wife. Eamonn has already moved on with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander, but Ruth has been discovering a new single life.

Ruth, 65, said: “I haven’t been put off having a relationship. I haven’t even been put off marriage, but I’m definitely not actively looking. Part of that is because I’ve realised I’m actually quite good on my own.” She’s also in therapy, confessing: “My counsellor has probably seen us on TV, but she doesn’t know either of us, so doesn’t get involved and doesn’t judge.”

 

65-year-old Eamonn looked loved up with his 43-year-old girlfriend Katie last month when they stepped out at a charity event together. While Eamonn was seen using a walker as he made his way up the pavement, he remained arm in arm with Katie.

He did, however, tell The Sun: “I wish Ruth all the best, she deserves it.”

The pair had been together for 27 years, but shortly after the break-up Eamonn was spotted out with mum-of-three Katie.

Eamonn Holmes has moved on with a new girlfriend (Image: Getty)

Speaking in 2024, he said: “I’m going to be with Katie this Christmas. I’ve never not been in the UK for Christmas, but maybe one year I’ll go away abroad.”

Ruth said of divorcing in her 60s: “I think you can surprise yourself – you have that moment where you panic, panic, panic and the age thing comes into it. You think, ‘Oh no I’m 65 what will I do?’

“But like the song, do I crumble? Do I lay down and die? Or do I survive? You just have to get up and dust yourself off and whatever that new path is going to be, you have to deal with it.”

HEARTBREAKING: Strictly star Molly Rainford shared her IMMENSE PAIN after being eliminated leaving fans extremely worried

Molly Rainford opened up on her grief (Image: BBC)

 

Former Strictly Come Dancing finalist Molly Rainford has emotionally opened up on going through grief for the first time in her life. The 25-year-old singer, presenter and EastEnders star has teamed up with Marie Curie and Superdrug for a very good cause which is close to her heart.

Speaking about getting involved with the campaign, Molly, who lost her nan in the last year, said: “I know and have seen the worry that comes with looking after someone you love and giving your all to ensure they are as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Marie Curie’s work is invaluable, taking this work off people so they can get back to being themselves and with their loved one outside of a caring capacity, and I’m so proud to be supporting them as part of this initiative.” Telling Express.co.uk about her loss, Molly added: “I’m very lucky that up until last year I had all of my grandparents and I will be forever grateful for that. But it was my first time experiencing real grief.

Molly said she had to be strong for her mum (Image: Getty)

 

“It reminds you that no one is immortal. As much as you believe that your grandparents and your parents will be there forever, the reality is that that isn’t the case. So we can only cherish the time that we have now.”

She added: “It was really hard for me, especially with it being my first experience of grief. But it wasn’t just about me.

“I was watching my mum going through losing her mum. It was so challenging because in that moment, I felt like I was stepping up into the role of being the strong one for my mum to be able to deal with her grief.”

 

Marie Curie and Superdrug are currently launching their first ever End of Life Salon – where people caring for someone in their final months, weeks or days are gifted free beauty treatments in recognition of their work.

The aim of the Salon initiative is to thank and draw attention to the plight of the UK’s 762,000 unpaid carers who are supporting a loved one in their final months, weeks or days. It comes ahead of a nationwide rollout for one weekend in January.

Carers can get their free manicure by visiting Eventbrite. The winners will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis by Wednesday, December 17, and will receive a free gel manicure to claim in a Superdrug Beauty Studio from the list of participating stores nationwide in January.