Table of Contents
- Finalists Revealed
- Celebrity Eliminated
- Judges' Decisions
- Audience Reactions
- Balvinder's Performance
- Emotional Moments
The finalists of STRICTLY Come Dancing 2025 have been announced, but viewers are expressing their discontent with the judges for what they perceive as a “wrong decision.”
In Week 12 of the series, the four remaining couples competed for the Glitterball trophy during the semi-final.
Strictly fans were left heartbroken as a fan favorite was eliminatedCredit: BBC
EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal was sent home tonight after her sixth dance-offCredit: BBC
BBC viewers stated that Balvinder deserved a place in the final as they criticized the judgesCredit: BBC
The celebrities and their professional partners were tasked with performing two dances to secure a spot in the grand final.
However, only three couples were allowed to advance to the final, resulting in one pair facing elimination.
Star Balvinder Sopal and her partner from the West End found themselves in the bottom two tonight.
After an intense dance-off, it was up to the judges to cast their votes, with one having the deciding vote.
Unfortunately, Balvinder, who made history as the first celebrity to survive five dance-offs, was not fortunate this week.
The judges unanimously chose to save Amber and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, leading to Balvinder and Julian Caillon’s elimination.
This means the three finalists are Amber and Nikita, Alexis Warr and Karen Carney, and Carlos Gu.
Despite facing multiple setbacks, Balvinder displayed remarkable resilience each week, consistently impressing the judges.
After her elimination, Balvinder expressed, “
Viewers were left heartbroken for the soap star, who fought valiantly each week and felt she deserved a spot in the final.
One viewer commented: “I’m devastated for Balvinder! She has been fantastic all season. Her resilience after being in the dance-off multiple times is incredible; it would have shaken the confidence of others, but she has come back fighting every time. She should be very proud of herself.”
Another said: “Much love to our amazing Balvinder Sopal!! Throughout the season, she has been phenomenal, battling against unfair scoring, every dance-off, and negativity online. She has been beautiful and truly inspirational.”
A third viewer remarked: “I’m so sad for Balvinder, missing out at the final hurdle, but she should be incredibly proud of her journey. She has beaten the odds numerous times and inspired others along the way. At least I can watch the final without bias and just enjoy the dancing.”
Another added: “It’s so disappointing for Balvinder; she deserved her place in the final.”
During Saturday’s show, she impressed the judges with her salsa and waltz, scoring a total of 70 points, but still found herself at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Last week, Balvinder, 47, managed to escape elimination after a stunning performance.
She demonstrated her resilience despite setbacks, dancing the Viennese Waltz to a song from The Greatest Showman with her partner Julian, and surprised both judges and viewers with a “stunning routine.”
Balvinder’s powerful performance received a tremendous ovation from the audience, and the judges echoed this enthusiasm with positive feedback.
After her dance, one judge told Balvinder: “I think I love you now – more than ever.”
“Firstly, congratulations – because this was epic. This was an extraordinary performance.”
The judge noted that she looked “absolutely stunning” as she made her entrance onto the stage and praised Balvinder for her persistence and showcasing a “magnificent” performance.
Another judge was in awe of the routine, especially after what she described as a “demoralizing” few weeks in the competition.
Before she could finish her feedback, she broke down in tears, being comforted by pro Julian, as Motsi quickly left the judges' podium to embrace her.
During their hug, she was caught on mic saying: “You did amazing – I’m so proud of you.”
Last week, Balvinder managed to avoid the dance-off, which saw Lewis Cope eliminated after competing against Amber Davies.



