‘EastEnders fans think I’m not very nice – I hope Strictly changes that’

Balvinder Sopal is part of the Strictly 2025 line-up (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders icon Balvinder Sopal is the latest star from the BBC soap who’s trading in the Albert Square backlot for another corner of Elstree Studios.

The 46-year-old, who plays Suki Panesar (now Unwin) on the BBC soap, was the fifth celebrity confirmed for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

Ahead of the first episode this weekend, the actress spoke with Metro and other press about how she hopes she can offer a glimpse of who she is behind the character of Suki. 

‘I think that’s what’s really key, is that this is a chance for all of us to show who we are at heart,’ Sopal said during an interview at Elstree Studios, where both EastEnders and Strictly are filmed.

‘Particularly with something like EastEnders, four days a week in someone’s living room, people think you are that person and that you respond to every situation with a lifted eyebrow and a smile,’ the actress laughed.

‘And that’s not the case. The [audiences] might be like, “how can that person play Suki Panesar?”’

She has played Suki since 2020 (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) The show is just days away from launching (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

But in swapping Walford for the Strictly live shows, Sopal said there is a ‘nerve-wracking’ element to taking to the ballroom dance floor in front of the fearsome judges.

‘I’m more concerned about the live element,’ she said. ‘I haven’t been on stage since 2019.

‘Prior to that, a lot of my work was staged, and so I think I’ve become a little complacent with the screen.

‘Because you can go for another take, you can pick up a line and all of that kind of stuff, whereas here it’s going to be live and filmed. So it’s a little bit nerve-wracking, actually.’

‘I think I’ve become a little complacent with the screen’ (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Sopal previously revealed that she has already done ballroom and Latin dancing as a ‘hobby’ – so could have something of a competitive edge when the show gets going, even if she has already somewhat dampened that possibility.

‘I think when you’ve got a passion for something, you’re naturally inclined to enjoy it. I’ll enjoy it but I don’t know if I’ll be any good,’ 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 a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of.’

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer from September 20.

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