From Albert Square to the Ballroom: Balvinder Sopal Dazzles Fans as She Joins Strictly Come Dancing
Balvinder Sopal’s Journey from EastEnders to Reality TV
Balvinder Sopal, best known for her compelling portrayal of Suki Panesar on BBC One’s EastEnders, is stepping into the dazzling world of Strictly Come Dancing. Fans will soon see a very different side of the 46-year-old actress as she trades the drama of Albert Square for the glittering ballroom.
Joining 11 other celebrities this year, Balvinder marks her debut in reality television. Despite the challenges of dance routines and live performances, she brings a wealth of performance experience, including previous dance training, which could give her an edge on the dance floor.
Roots in Medway: Family and Early Life
Originally from Medway, Kent, Balvinder was born in Chatham and raised in Gillingham as the eldest of four siblings. Talent runs in the family—her sister, Manjeet Griffiths, has appeared in productions such as Holby City and now works as a producer in London.
Balvinder studied at the University of Huddersfield and later returned to Medway. She tends to keep her personal life private, allowing her professional achievements to take center stage.
Iconic EastEnders Role: Suki Panesar
Balvinder joined EastEnders in December 2019 and made her first on-screen appearance in January 2020. Her character, Suki Panesar, has been central to numerous gripping storylines. From her complex relationship with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) to the heart-wrenching death of her son Jags (Amar Adatia), Suki has faced love, loss, and betrayal.
Her performances have not gone unnoticed. Balvinder has received multiple award nominations and won the Soap Superstar title at the Inside Soap Awards, cementing her place as one of the soap’s most memorable actors.
A Versatile Career Across Stage and Screen
Balvinder’s acting career began in 2001 with The Beautiful Violin at Oldham Coliseum Theatre. She later appeared in stage productions like Absent Friends and Relatively Speaking.
Her television debut came in the same year with BBC’s Kidhaar!, followed by a role in the radio soap Silver Street as Simran Kaur. Before EastEnders, she had already appeared in major soaps including Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Doctors, and Hollyoaks.
Balvinder also featured in dramas like Call the Midwife and Waterloo Road, and films such as Anatomy of a Crime, Naachle London, and Honeycomb Lodge. She even made a brief appearance on the game show Pointless, which hinted at her future reality TV endeavors.
Strictly Come Dancing: A Dream Come True
This year, Balvinder steps onto the Strictly Come Dancing stage alongside stars including Lewis Cope, Dani Dyer, Vicky Pattison, Ross King, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Speaking about her participation, she said:
“Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working on EastEnders and being part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’m far too excited to put into words, but I can’t wait to dance across the ballroom!”
Fans can expect to see a mix of grit, charm, and determination as Balvinder transitions from acting in scripted dramas to competing live on one of the UK’s most-watched reality shows. Her journey promises emotional highs, nail-biting performances, and a fresh perspective on a beloved actress.