Strictly’s Balvinder Sopal supported over move two years after heartbreaking loss

The EastEnders star opened up about it being two years since she suffered a devastating loss

View 2 Images

EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal(Image: PA)

EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal has been flooded with messages as she revealed her latest charity move after opening up about it being two years since she suffered a devastating loss.

In early 2024, the actress, who plays Suki Panesar-Unwin in the BBC One soap, announced that her beloved mum, Nirmal, had died surrounded by her family. She said at the time: “27th February 2024, 11.30pm, mum passed peacefully, with dignity & grace, just as she’d lived her whole life.

“My sister & I had settled in for the night shift at the hospital. The lads had come, spent the day, & just as the last of them left… mum passed, with me & my sister holding her hands. We walked mum as far as we could. It’s been hard, but I’ve never known strength like mums.

“I’m proud to be her daughter. As we told people, the one thing constant in people’s memory was Mum’s huge, warm smile, her ability to adapt to change & show love & respect to all. Our home was always open; a shelter from the rain whilst waiting for the bus. For pronthey & chaa. For all the children to come & chill after school. There was always food. Our home was busy, warm, & full of love because of mum.”

And it was suffering the loss that inspired Balvinder to take part in Strictly Come Dancing last year. She told how she had turned down recent opportunities until she was offered a spot on the BBC One dance show, when she knew she had to accept “because mum would want me to be seen”.

She said while on the show as she and her professional dance partner Julian Caillon performed a Bhangra-inspired Couple’s Choice routine to Sapphire by Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh: “I’d said no to every single thing that came my way and then Strictly came along.

“I thought, yeah, I’m gonna do it, this is my yes year. And I’m gonna do it because I wanna be seen, and because mum would want me to be seen.” She added that her mum would “be incredibly happy and dancing, wherever she is, shining down on me”.

It was last week that Balvinder marked two years since her mum’s passing, and alongside an emotional tribute featuring photos of her beloved parent, the soap star also revealed what she’s doing to help others who may find themselves suffering the same ill health her mum did.

View 2 Images

Balvinder with her mum(Image: Balvinder Sopal Instagram)

“Two years ago today, we lost the most precious person in our lives – my mum,” Balvinder said. “In December 2023 she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, in February 2024 she passed. They call Ovarian Cancer the Silent Killer – there currently is no screening for the cancer and women are diagnosed at stages 3 and 4, when it’s too late to do anything.”Around 7,500 women receive a diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer every year, and sadly 11 women die every single day of this disease. We can help by supporting Target Ovarian Cancer charity spread knowledge and awareness of the symptoms and how women can advocate for themselves.”Miss it for March will see me give up cake and sweet treats. I know it’s not a huge thing for some… but for me (and mum) cake & sweet treats are huge. I have a bad sweet tooth, it’s a sordid love affair, and passing up on anything sweet is going to be tough. But it’s all in order to raise money for Target Ovarian Cancer and they work they do within the community.”

She added: “I hope you’ll join me, in perhpas giving something up yourself, for the month, or by donating to the charity (via the link in my bio), sharing the information or doing a little research yourself so that you can pass that knowledge on and perhaps help save someone else’s life from Ovarian Cancer. I hope I’m making you proud mum.”

@samzreadsbooks said: “Oh Bal, these photos are so gorgeous…your mum had such kind eyes. Thinking of you. So much love.” @bal_sopal_fans commented: “Aww Bal what gorgeous photos, you’re her double. She must be looking down on you and your achievements with so much pride. Sending you and your family heaps of love.”

@poonammainiofficial replied: “Love this! More needs to be done in term of raising awareness for women’s health! It’s taken too lightly by the NHS! I’ve been saying it for years…so I’m pleased to see you raising awareness and keeping alive your mum’s beautiful memories.” @debs_1982_ added: “Such beautiful photos Bal. Thinking of you and your family and sending love. Thank you for helping to raise awareness.”