Balvinder Sopal Receives Wave of Support from Viewers After Strictly Judges Deliver Tough Scores

Strictly Come Dancing fans rallied behind Balvinder Sopal on Saturday night after the judges delivered another round of mixed — and in many viewers’ eyes, overly harsh — critiques. The 46-year-old EastEnders star has repeatedly found herself under intense scrutiny this season, with many fans arguing that her performances are evaluated more strictly than those of other contestants (Source: Radio Times).

During this week’s live show, Balvinder and her professional partner Julian Caillon performed an American Smooth to Mary Wells’ classic hit My Guy. Though the routine was elegant and full of charm, several viewers felt the judges’ feedback didn’t reflect the emotional quality and storytelling the pair brought to the dance floor.

Judges Deliver Mixed Feedback After American Smooth

Judge Anton Du Beke began with restrained praise, telling the couple:
“For me, moving across the floor, it was a little safe. I wanted a little bit more of that positivity you showed last week to transfer itself into this dance. But it was neat and tidy. I enjoyed the performance.”

Fans quickly echoed online a recurring question from recent weeks: Why are the judges always so hard on Balvinder?

Craig Revel Horwood, known for his sharp critiques, offered a technical note:
“You need to watch your recovering arm when you’re coming down from a lift. I would like to see a little bit more punch. But you always dance with conviction, and that’s what I love about you. You’re the most beautiful storyteller as well.”

Motsi Mabuse added her perspective, noting:
“When you dance together, I see you’re trying to show the technique, and that takes it a bit away from the performance skills.”

Head judge Shirley Ballas acknowledged Balvinder’s improvement and connection with Julian:
“Here we are, the week before Blackpool. I can see you’re feeling comfortable with your partner. Thank you for working on your feet.”

The comments were broadly aligned with the panel’s long-standing emphasis on precision and elevation, a philosophy Strictly’s judges have consistently defended throughout the show’s history (Source: BBC News).

Viewers Say Balvinder Was “Underscored” Ahead of Blackpool Week

When the scores were announced — six from Craig, and sevens from Anton, Motsi, and Shirley — social media erupted with frustration. Fans on X argued that the numbers didn’t match the quality of Balvinder’s performance and feared she might land in the dance-off.

One viewer wrote:
“Harsh. Judges showing who they want eliminated.”

Another was even more emphatic:
“6s AND 7s???? HAVE WE ACTUALLY LOST THE PLOT???? JUSTICE FOR BAL.”

A third commented:
“A 6??? Bal was so underscored.”

The outcry mirrored similar viewer reactions earlier in the season, with some fans suggesting a pattern of strict scoring directed at certain contestants — a topic media outlets have also commented on when analysing public voting trends (Source: The Guardian).

Another user posted:
“That scoring was so harsh. Bal did so good.”

Despite the critiques, Balvinder remained upbeat in her post-dance interview with Claudia Winkleman, sharing:
“I came in Wednesday and went, ‘I’m just going to play.’ And we did play.”

Her attitude reflects what many viewers have praised her for: resilience, warmth, and a willingness to push herself technically, even under pressure. As The Telegraph recently noted, the week before Blackpool is often one of the most challenging, as the stakes rise for contestants hoping to perform in the iconic Tower Ballroom (Source: The Telegraph).

Will Balvinder and Julian Make It to Blackpool?

With Blackpool Week just ahead — one of the most anticipated milestones of the entire season — questions now linger over whether Balvinder and Julian will secure enough public support to carry them through. Historically, contestants who are repeatedly underscored but enjoy strong audience backing can still make surprise leaps forward (Source: BBC News).

Balvinder’s fans are certainly hoping that sentiment holds true. Their passionate response online suggests that, regardless of the judges’ critiques, Balvinder has emerged as one of the season’s most heartfelt and relatable performers.

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