EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal has finally achieved a long-cherished dream, confirming her participation in the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The actress, renowned for her compelling portrayal of Suki Panesar on the BBC One soap, revealed that securing a spot on the prestigious celebrity ballroom competition has been a monumental 21-year endeavour, an ambition she has harboured since the show’s inception in 2004. Her revelation offers a rare glimpse into the persistent drive behind a beloved television personality, highlighting a journey marked by unwavering determination.

Balvinder, aged 46, candidly shared the depth of her excitement and the extensive efforts made by her team to make this dream a reality. Opening up on Instagram, she detailed how she first approached her agent over two decades ago with the singular request to explore opportunities with Strictly. “A dream 21 years in the making from when I first asked my agent to ask @bbcstrictly if I could be on the show,” she wrote, expressing her disbelief and elation. “Never did I ever think it would happen. And now…. since the announcement my feet haven’t touched the ground.” This powerful statement encapsulates the sheer joy and magnitude of the moment for an actress who has quietly pursued this passion for a significant portion of her career.

The announcement came with the initial buzz of the 2025 Strictly lineup, where Sopal was confirmed as a contestant. Her immediate immersion into the Strictly world was palpable as she recounted her first day meeting the show’s formidable team, her fellow celebrity contestants, and, most notably, the professional dancers. “And we haven’t even started properly,” she added, alluding to the rigorous training ahead. “Yesterday was a big day; our first day meeting and greeting the Strictly Team, the other brilliant and talented contestants, and of course, the PROS.” Her admiration for the professional dancers was evident: “Watching the pros on telly is one thing… seeing them in person is a whole other story. In absolute awe,” she stated, underscoring the star power and talent that define the show.

Balvinder’s journey to household recognition truly accelerated in 2020 when she first stepped onto Albert Square as Suki Panesar. Before joining EastEnders, she had already built a commendable acting career with various roles across several major British television shows, including Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Doctors, and Hollyoaks. However, it was her role as the matriarch of the Panesar family that cemented her status as a fan favourite, lauded for her nuanced and often chilling performances.

Suki Panesar’s arrival in Walford brought an immediate and profound shift to the dynamic of EastEnders. As the formidable, often manipulative, and deeply complex mother of Jags, Kheerat, Vinny, and Ash, Suki quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her character is defined by a fierce protectiveness of her family, coupled with a ruthlessness that has seen her orchestrate elaborate schemes, betray those closest to her, and even become embroiled in a murder cover-up. Balvinder Sopal’s portrayal has been consistently praised for its depth, transitioning seamlessly from cold, calculating matriarch to a vulnerable woman grappling with her past and her sexuality.

One of Suki’s most impactful storylines involved her abusive relationship with her husband, Nish Panesar, and her subsequent hidden romance with Eve Unwin. This arc resonated deeply with viewers, showcasing Balvinder’s ability to convey profound emotional turmoil and courage. Her portrayal of Suki’s struggle to embrace her true self, navigate a clandestine relationship, and ultimately break free from years of oppression has been central to the character’s evolution, making her one of the most compelling figures on the show. The character’s journey from a villain to a more sympathetic, albeit still complex, individual is a testament to Sopal’s performance and the writers’ commitment to layered storytelling.

The transition from the high drama and intense emotional demands of EastEnders to the glitter and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing presents a fascinating shift for Sopal. The ability of soap actors to connect with a wide audience often gives them a unique edge in popularity contests like Strictly, and Balvinder’s established rapport with viewers as Suki Panesar positions her well for the public vote. Her gratitude towards her current employers at EastEnders was clear as she acknowledged their support in allowing her to pursue this long-held aspiration. “@bbceastenders – simply THANK YOU for allowing this to happen, @bbcstrictly THANK YOU for asking me,” she stated, alongside heartfelt thanks to her fans.

For Balvinder Sopal, Strictly Come Dancing is more than just a competition; it is the culmination of a two-decade-long aspiration. It represents a new challenge, an opportunity to showcase a different side of her personality and talent, and a chance to truly “savour every single second” of a dream come true. As she prepares to trade the dramatic confrontations of Albert Square for the demanding routines of the ballroom, her journey is set to captivate audiences, proving that patience, persistence, and passion can indeed lead to the most dazzling of outcomes. “It’s going to be tough,” she concluded with characteristic determination, “but I know one thing for sure, I am going to savour every single second of my journey on Strictly Come Dancing. Come, let’s dance.”