An EastEnders actress has appeared to throw subtle shade at a fellow contestant following her emotional exit from Strictly Come Dancing at the semi-final stage.
The Semi-Final Dance-Off Drama
Balvinder Sopal and her professional partner Julian were eliminated from the BBC competition on Saturday, 17 December 2025, after losing a tense dance-off to Love Island star Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin. All judges voted to save Amber, securing her place in next weekend's grand final alongside Karen Carney and George Clarke.
Speaking after her exit, Balvinder was gracious, telling her partner: "You've been brilliant in every sense of the word... I've never felt alone on this floor." She also reflected on her 'Yes Year' and dedicated her journey to her family who had supported her through hard times.
A 'Novice' Versus a 'Different Calibre'
However, a comment made during her subsequent interview on BBC Two's It Takes Two has sparked speculation. Discussing the dance-off with host Fleur East, Balvinder stated of Amber: "She's of a different calibre. So going up against Amber, honestly, was game over for us because we're not of that level. I came into this competition a novice."
Many viewers interpreted the "novice" comment as a veiled reference to the ongoing criticism Amber has faced regarding her professional West End background. Amber joined the show as a late replacement and has consistently defended her place, stating she was "never supposed to be here" and is just doing her best.
Backlash and a Partner's Defence
Amber Davies has indeed faced significant online abuse throughout the series, which intensified after the semi-final dance-off which also saw Lewis Cope and Katya Jones leave the competition. She admitted the start of that week had been "tougher than usual" despite having what she believed was a thick skin.
Her professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin, issued a heartfelt defence of her character. "You have had so much hate every single day from the moment you joined," he said. "And I think sometimes... just please be kind because it costs nothing and you [Amber] don't deserve none of it." He credited Amber for making the show as good as it is.
The stage is now set for a dramatic Strictly final, but the fallout from a controversial semi-final week continues to be a major talking point for fans of the hit BBC show.
