Balvinder was in the dance-off last week, and the week before

Strictly fans leapt to Balvinder Sopal’s defence last night (Saturday, October 25) after feeling as though the soap star was treated harshly by the judges.

The very public backing comes after Balvinder found herself in the dance-off for the second week running last weekend.

Balvinder performed a quickstep (Credit: BBC)

Balvinder Sopal in Icons Week of Strictly 2025

Last night saw Balvinder and her pro dance partner, Julian Caillon, perform a quickstep to Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ‘Em.

They scored a respectable 28 points, with all four judges giving them a seven each. However, there was still some criticism to be given to the EastEnders star.

Despite praising the star’s personality during the routine, Shirley Ballas – who voted against saving the star last week – believed that the “footwork still needs work”.

“It just looks a little hesitant,” Anton Du Beke said.

“It needed a more elegant top line,” Craig Revel Horwood then said. However, he did compliment Balvinder too, saying he “loved this version of you”.

Motsi was more positive, telling Balvinder that she’s seen improvements.

“What I’m seeing is you’re taking steps forward. Also, coming back with such strength every single time, so don’t be disheartened,” she said.

Balvinder and Julian scored 28 last night (Credit: BBC)

Balvinder defended by fans

Despite her decent score, fans were not happy with Balvinder being in the bottom three of the leaderboard or with how critical the judges were of her performance.

“I’d be fuming as well. Why do the judges seem to hate her so much? It feels so unnecessary,” one viewer said, sharing a picture of Balvinder looking cross.

“Balvinder is great judges consistently undermark her,” another fumed.

“WHY DO THEY KEEP BASHING BALVINDER,” a third wrote, sharing a gif of a child screaming.

“I actually love Balvinder and I don’t understand why the judges and public don’t. That was such a fun dance tonight!” another said.

“BALVINDER WTF STOP WHY IS SHE BOTTOM 3 ON THE LEADERBOARD,” a fourth raged.

“Balvinder getting worse feedback than she actually deserves tbh. Fed up of it now. She is better than they’re critiquing her. Not sure what their issue is when there are people who should be scoring low who aren’t,” another said.

Karen was ‘gutted’ (Credit: BBC)

Karen Carney ‘gutted’ after judges’ criticism

Balvinder wasn’t the only one on the receiving end of some criticism from the judges last night.

Karen Carney also got some constructive feedback, and seemed “gutted” about it.

Shirley pointed out that the routine “went a bit wobbly” in the middle. Anton also noted that Karen got “tense”; meanwhile, Craig said her balance was “off” and the dance “lacked fluidity”.

In the Clauditorium, Karen was clearly upset by the judges’ comments.

“Don’t make that face,” Claudia said, before telling Karen that the pros upstairs called her legs “perfect” when she danced.

“Thank you, as they mentioned down there, there’s about eight different walks. Sorry, I’m a bit gutted,” Karen replied.

Viewers were left saddened by how upset Karen seemed. “I just wanna give Karen a hug bless her,” one fan said.

“Aww Karen the dance was so pretty don’t let that knock your confidence,” another wrote.

Read more: Strictly viewers left furious as elimination result leaks online: ‘Complete joke’

Strictly continues tonight (Sunday, October 26) at 7:15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.