The ballroom has narrowed, the sequins have sparkled, and the tension has reached fever pitch. After a dramatic semi-final, the stage is set for the Strictly 2025 final, but not without a bittersweet farewell.
Sunday night witnessed the departure of Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, a couple who fought valiantly through week after week of challenging dances and nail-biting dance-offs. Their journey ended when they faced Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin in a final showdown, ultimately leading to a difficult decision for the judges.
Now, the coveted Glitterball Trophy will be contested by three formidable pairings: West End sensation Amber Davies with Nikita Kuzmin, YouTuber George Clarke alongside Alexis Warr, and footballer Karen Carney dancing with Carlos Gu. The bookmakers currently favor Amber, but a strong social media following could propel George to a surprise victory.
Balvinder’s elimination, while heartbreaking for fans, confirms the final three. Throughout the competition, she repeatedly defied expectations, surviving an unprecedented number of dance-offs. Her resilience and spirit captivated audiences, making her a beloved figure on the show.
The semi-final saw Balvinder and Julian perform a passionate salsa, while Amber reprised a flawless couple’s choice routine that had previously earned a perfect score. Ultimately, the judges – Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke – chose to save Amber and Nikita, a decision echoed by Craig Revel Horwood’s casting vote.
In a moving farewell, Balvinder expressed her gratitude for the experience, calling it a “Yes Year” and a dream come true. She spoke of the support of her family and the incredible partnership she shared with Julian, emphasizing the unwavering belief he had in her, even when she doubted herself.
Julian, making his debut as a professional dancer this series, praised Balvinder’s unbreakable spirit and the inspiration she provided. He acknowledged the difficulty of the judges’ decision, noting that it took a perfect score to finally eliminate her from the competition.
As hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prepare to bid farewell at the end of the year, Balvinder took a moment to thank them for embodying the heart and soul of Strictly, connecting the current series to the legacy of legends like Len Goodman and Bruce Forsyth.
Balvinder’s journey wasn’t just about the dances; it was a testament to self-discovery and empowerment. She admitted to seeing herself in a new light, embracing her strength and beauty on the dance floor, and inspiring others to do the same.
Despite her departure, Balvinder leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and positivity. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, celebrating her incredible run and the joy she brought to the show.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 grand final promises to be a spectacular event, airing next Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The remaining couples will undoubtedly bring their all, vying for the ultimate prize and etching their names into Strictly history.
This year’s competition has been marked by unexpected twists, injuries, and withdrawals, ultimately leading to a final three instead of the usual four. But the spirit of competition and the magic of dance remain stronger than ever.
