The finalists for this season’s Strictly Come Dancing have been determined, following Sunday night’s elimination round which saw one couple depart from the competition.
Facing the dance-off were EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon – marking their series record sixth time in the bottom two – alongside reality TV personality Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Ultimately, the judges’ decision resulted in Sopal’s departure from the show.
Davies, having survived the dance-off for the second consecutive week, will advance to next week’s final, joining social media influencer George Clarke and former England footballer Karen Carney.
The EastEnders actress, who showcased a Salsa and a Waltz during the semi-final, expressed that she had “absolutely adored every single minute” of her Strictly experience.
Speaking after her elimination, Sopal reflected on her journey: “All the dance-offs, all the challenges, but just more than anything, just being in this building and dancing on this floor with such an amazing human being.”
She continued, “It was my ‘Yes Year’, and I said yes to Strictly. My family, we’ve had some hard times, but they’ve been here.”
Sopal also expressed her gratitude to her dance partner, Caillon, stating: “You’ve been brilliant in every sense of the word.”
“When I wobbled, and when I felt really brilliant about the dance and got the steps right, you’ve just held me in your hands and you’ve gone, ‘Bal, we’ve got this.'”
“I’ve never felt alone on this floor, and I just want you to remember me. Don’t replace me too soon!”
Caillon praised Sopal, stating that she “embodies” the spirit of Strictly Come Dancing.
“Her spirit is unbreakable, and you have shown me that I’m actually dreaming too small, and Bal can inspire us that whatever any of us want in life, all you have to have is the desire to go after it.”
Each celebrity contestant performed two dances on Saturday’s show.
Carney and her partner Carlos Gu led the leaderboard with a near-perfect score of 78 out of 80 for their routines.
The results show also included a surprise for departing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Following a montage of their most memorable moments on the show, the pair were each presented with a personalized golden Glitterball Trophy.
The evening also featured a festive performance by Kylie Minogue of her new single XMAS, accompanied by 16 Strictly professional dancers, as well as a special rendition of the 90s classic Sit Down by the band James.
The remaining three couples will compete in next weekend’s final.
The final will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 19:00 GMT on Saturday, December 20, culminating in the crowning of the season’s champion.
Her professional partner said Davies had endured “so much hate” but continued with a “big smile”.
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The EastEnders actor, from Gillingham, is one of four competitors who are vying for a final place.