STRICTLY Come Dancing is set to sign a big EastEnders star for this year’s series, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
The soap actress joins a long list of Albert Square residents who have competed on the BBC1 dance series - and done sensationally well.
The lucky star gearing up for the dance floor is Balvinder Sopal, 46, plays Walford matriarch Suki Panesar.
Her hard-nosed character was one of the infamous “Six” who covered up the murder of mechanic Keanu Taylor.
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.”
Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks before bagging her breakthrough role on EastEnders.
Her character Suki initially joined as a villain, faking cancer to win over her family who had all turned against her.
But over the years she finally won them over, managing to escape the clutches of her abusive husband Nish who tried to kill her after discovering she had a secret lesbian affair with Eve Unwin.
Suki finally married her lover having spent her entire adult life hiding her true sexuality and the couple now live with her son Vinny and stepson Ravi, and his children Davinder and Avani, and front various local businesses.
In 2024 she was recognised for her work on Albert Square by winning the Soap Superstar gong at the Inside Soap Awards for her part in Keanu’s death cover up - and bloody battles with husband Nish.
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.
Last year, Jamie Borthwick got the call up, following 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."
