The glittering ballroom is bracing for another emotional farewell as Strictly Come Dancing moves into its tenth week, with one celebrity's journey set to end this Sunday. After a temporary reprieve last weekend due to an injury withdrawal, the competition is heating up, and all eyes are on EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, whom bookmakers predict is the most likely to be eliminated.
The Betting Odds Turn Against Sopal
Online bookmaker Grosvenor Sport has significantly slashed the odds for the next elimination, placing the 46-year-old actress at the forefront of the exit speculation. Balvinder Sopal is priced at just 1/5 to leave the competition, making her the clear favourite for departure. Her closest rival in the betting is Alex Kingston at 7/2, followed by Amber Davies at 9/1.
This prediction is compounded by the fact that Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar in the BBC soap, has already found herself in the perilous dance-off on four separate occasions with her professional partner, Julian Caillon. While she has managed to survive each time, her luck is now believed to be running out.
Expert Opinion Backs the Bookmakers' View
Former Strictly professional dancer Ola Jordan has echoed the sentiment of the betting markets. Speaking to Mecca Bingo, she analysed the remaining contestants and shared her verdict.
"I think Balvinder is the most likely to go this week," Ola stated. "She's the weakest dancer in the competition now, and I expect she'll end up in the bottom two again. If that happens, I think she'll struggle to survive the dance-off unless something unexpected happens."
This stark assessment highlights the intense pressure the couples are under as the grand finale draws nearer. With no elimination last week following La Voix's injury-prompted withdrawal, the scores and public votes will be carried forward, meaning this weekend's result will be based on combined performances from two episodes.
Leaderboard Highlights and a Fond Farewell
Last weekend's Blackpool special was not without its triumphs. Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones achieved a perfect score of 40 for their energetic Charleston, topping the leaderboard and earning high praise from the judges.
Meanwhile, the show bid a sad goodbye to La Voix, who was forced to withdraw on medical advice after sustaining an injury. The performer was seen watching from the audience in Blackpool and later shared her devastation on Instagram, thanking fans for their support.
As the remaining six couples prepare for another high-stakes performance, the question on everyone's lips is whether Balvinder Sopal can defy the odds one more time or if her Strictly journey is finally coming to a close.
