EastEnders fans spot massive issue as Balvinder Sopal set to sign up for Strictly liennhi

   

EASTENDERS fans have spotted as a huge issue as star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for Strictly.

The Sun revealed that Balvinder, who plays Suki Panesar, is set to join this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

Balvinder Sopal at the British Soap Awards.
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The Sun revealed EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for StrictlyCredit: Getty
Eve Unwin and Suki Panesar in a grocery store.
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The actress plays matriarch Suki Panesar in the BBC soapCredit: BBC
Suki Panesar and Aaron Thiara in a scene from EastEnders.
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Suki was originally introduced as a villain - but later won her family overCredit: BBC

A source said: “EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans.

“She’s excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.”

Writing online, soap fans have already spotted a big issue with the 46-year-old taking part.

One wrote on Reddit: "Exciting! Didn’t she have a leg injury though?"

 

Another confirmed: "She broke her foot in 2024."

At least year's Baftas, Balvinder wore a gold ballet pump on one foot and a moonboot on the other, as well as supporting herself with crutches.

The injury was later written into the character Suki's storyline in the BBC soap

Meanwhile, other fans shared their excitement for Balvinder on Strictly, with one penning: "I’ll be rooting for her, excited to watch."

A second person agreed: "YAASSSSS IM SO EXCITED FOR HER."

While a third remarked: "Can't wait to see her outfits!!"

EastEnders' Priya brutally blackmails Suki Panesar over her affair

Before joining EastEnders in 2020, Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

Her character Suki was initially a villain, who faked cancer in a bid to win over her family who'd turned against her.

She won their trust over the years - and has since built up a life in Albert Square.

This includes a lesbian affair with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), which ultimately evolved into the two getting married.

Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show’s line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004.

Strictly 2025 - signings so far

Strictly has yet to officially confirm the class of 2025, but here a few names who have already been linked to the series:

  • Sir Mo Farah
  • Vicky Pattinson
  • Balvinder Sopal
  • Angellica Bell
  • Tom Parker-Bowles
  • Ashley Cain

The most recent example is Jamie Borthwick - aka Jay Brown - who took part in 2024.

This followed on from Bobby Brazier (2023), James Bye (2022), Rose Ayling-Ellis (2021), Maisie Smith (2020) and Emma Barton (2019).

Previous Albert Square dancers have also included Brian Conley (2017), Tameka Empson (2016), Kellie Bright (2015), Jake Wood (2014), Sid Owen (2012), Scott Maslen (2010), Ricky Groves (2009), Gillian Taylforth (2008), Letitia Dean (2007), Louisa Lytton (2006) Patsy Palmer (2005) and Christopher Parker (2004).

A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation."

Group photo of Strictly Come Dancing celebrities and professional dancers on the show's stage.
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Last year's Strictly featured Balvinder's co-star Jamie BorthwickCredit: PA