View 5 Images

Balvinder and Julian lost their place in the competition to Amber and Nikita (Image: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Balvinder Sopal has opened up about the precise moment she realised her journey on the BBC dance show had come to an end.

During Sunday evening’s (December 14) results show, the EastEnders actress and her professional partner Julian Caillon faced the dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.

Both pairs performed their routines once more, with Balvinder and Julian delivering their Salsa to Gloria Estefan’s Rhythm Is Gonna Get You and Get On Your Feet.

Article continues below

In contrast, Amber and Nikita showcased their couple’s choice routine to Raye’s rendition of Fly Me To The Moon.

However, the judging panel voted unanimously to send the soap actress home from the competition, securing Amber and Nikita’s place in the live final alongside Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, and George Clarke and Alexis Warr.

View 5 Images

Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon appeared on It Takes Two(Image: BBC)

Get the latest Devon Live breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

The following evening (December 15), Balvinder and her dance partner appeared on sister programme It Takes Two with host Fleur East, where they discussed their elimination in greater detail.

During the interview, the actress disclosed the exact moment she recognised it was “game over” for them on the dance floor.

When questioned about facing the West End performer in the dance-off, Balvinder admitted: “Amber is a wonderful, wonderful contestant, and a wonderful woman. She is of a different calibre.

Article continues below

“So going up against Amber… honestly, was game over for us because we’re not of that level, we’re not of that standard. I certainly wasn’t,” reports the Express.

View 5 Images

The pair had faced six dance-offs before their elimination(Image: PA)

“I came into the competition as a novice, I couldn’t literally work the rise and fall of a Waltz step, I didn’t know anything really.”

Article continues below

The professional dancer interjected: “No matter who we’re in the dance off with, we always give it our best, we do what we do, and we try to top our previous dance from before.”

The television personality continued by highlighting the positive aspects she had experienced throughout her time on the programme, with increased confidence being the most significant.

She enthused: “As the competition went on, my confidence just grew, and I think it is down to our partnership and the way that we work together.”

Article continues below

View 5 Images

Balvinder and Julian have missed out on the final(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

Following the heartfelt interview, some viewers felt the actress had been “shady” with her comments about Amber.

One viewer questioned: “Did Balvinder just completely throw Amber under the bus with that ITT interview? [grimace emoji]”.

Article continues below

Another concurred: “Balvinder said Amber was a different calibre and she entered as a complete novice. It felt very unnecessary… very shady? [grimace emoji] Especially when it’s going to make the pile on for Amber even worse.”

View 5 Images

Viewers wondered whether Balvinder had made a ‘shady’ comment about Amber’s experience(Image: instagram/@amb_d)

A third observer noted: “Oh dear, Balvinder was my favourite UNTIL she commented on Amber. Nikita said ‘Be Kind’, but Balvinder was a bad loser and threw Amber under the bus! ! We know she’s of pro level, we really don’t care, she’s fun to watch! Amber was a last-minute replacement.”

Article continues below

Meanwhile, Balvinder received a wave of support for her exit interview. One fan effusively commented: “Yes, Balvinder, you absolutely should be proud of yourself, the way you handled yourself with grace & dignity and fought through the negativity.”

Another chimed in: “What a lovely, genuine lady Balvinder is & partnered with such a gentleman, Julian! Well done, both of you, pupil & teacher, be proud! ! !”.