Eliminated Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal has candidly admitted she believed her time in the competition was up the moment she faced Amber Davies in the semi-final dance-off.
'A Different Calibre' of Dancer
Speaking on the BBC Two sister show Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday 15 December 2025, Sopal described herself as a "novice" compared to her competitor. She stated that Davies, a West End performer, was of a "different calibre" entirely, leaving her with little hope of surviving the crucial vote.
"When I found myself in the dance-off against Amber, I knew it was game over," Sopal revealed. Her comments highlight the intense pressure and perceived disparity in experience during the final stages of the popular BBC One contest.
West End Background Sparks Viewer Debate
This revelation comes amid ongoing viewer criticism directed at Amber Davies. Many fans of the show have argued that her professional stage career, which includes starring roles in major musical theatre productions, provides her with an unfair advantage over other contestants who began with no formal dance training.
The debate has been a persistent theme on social media throughout the series, with some audiences claiming it skews the competition's traditional 'journey' narrative.
Kuzmin's Plea for Kindness
In response to the mounting criticism aimed at his celebrity partner, professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin has publicly urged the public to "be kind." He has consistently defended Davies's work ethic and commitment to the Strictly process, emphasising the immense challenge of learning a new dance style each week regardless of background.
Despite the controversy, both couples delivered show-stopping performances in the semi-final. Ultimately, the judges' decision sent Sopal and her professional partner home, securing Davies and Kuzmin a coveted place in the grand final.
Balvinder Sopal's frank assessment on It Takes Two provides a poignant insight into the mindset of a contestant at the sharp end of one of television's most watched competitions, where experience and public perception can be as decisive as the steps on the night.
