EastEnders fans are convinced that one of Walford’s leading ladies will be swapping Albert Square for the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom later this year
EastEnders enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation that Suki Panesar actress Balvinder Sopal might be waltzing onto the Strictly Come Dancing floor this year.
Whispers have been swirling that Balvinder, 46, is set to spice up the dance competition’s line-up after her stint on the BBC soap. The Sun has hinted that the Beeb is “set to sign” the star, potentially adding her to the impressive roster of EastEnders alumni who’ve cha-cha’d in the ballroom.
Since 2019, it’s become somewhat of a tradition for an Albert Square regular to strut their stuff on Strictly, with Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown, being the latest to join the sequin-clad ranks.
Other Walford favourites who’ve taken the challenge include Bobby Brazier, James Bye, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Maisie Smith, Letitia Dean, and Emma Barton.
Although the official line-up for the upcoming series of Strictly remains under wraps, eagle-eyed viewers reckon they’ve sussed out a potential plot twist that could see Balvinder’s character Suki take a hiatus from the drama of Walford.
Plotlines have thickened recently, with Suki revealing her daughter Ash Panesar (portrayed by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) is now engaged in Canada. Could this mean Suki and her partner Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) will jet off to celebrate the nuptials, paving the way for Balvinder’s ballroom debut?
Suki first made her mark on EastEnders in January 2020 as a seemingly nefarious newcomer but has since evolved into the formidable Panesar family matriarch and found love with Eve, reports Belfast Live.
Suki was also amongst The Six who covered up Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) killing after Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) murdered him on Christmas Day 2023. She’s additionally endured horrific domestic violence from her abusive spouse Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry), who passed away in January.
On Reddit, one thrilled EastEnders enthusiast theorised about Balvinder’s Strictly participation, posting: “Balvinder Sopal will be joining strictly Come Dancing!”
Another responded: “Her and Eve will be leaving the country to visit Ash, I betcha.”
A third contributed: “That would be a fitting way for that to happen to travel to Canada to meet Ash’s new beau. Good Luck to Bal!”
“I think Bal is doing this while Heather takes a break”, suggested another.
Meanwhile, on X, one fan questioned: “Oh My Gosh – ok we are actually going to get an Ash return/visit, do we think #EastEnders #Sukeve.”
