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Strictly stars Balvinder Sopal, Julian Caillon, Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe(Image: BBC)
Balvinder Sopal said she didn’t ‘have the words’ following Alex Kingston’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing after they went head-to-head for a place in the show’s quarter-final.
The EastEnders actress and former Doctor Who and E.R star both found themselves in the dreaded dance-off during the latest results show on Sunday night (November 30) alongside their professional dance partners, Julian Caillon and Johannes Radebe.
Both couples had tricky nights in the ballroom on Saturday (November 29) as the BBC One dance contest continued with week ten back at Elstree Studios following the previous weekend’s epic trip to Blackpool, where the show was broadcast live from the famous Tower Ballroom.
They had to reprise their routines from Saturday night, with Alex and Joahannes dancing their cha cha cha to Anita Ward’s Ring My Bell, while Balvinder and Julian danced a jive to Right Back Where We Started From by Maxine Nightingale.
Following the performances, the judges cast their vote, with Anton Du Beke choosing to save Alex and Johannes while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse saved Balvinder and Julian. Head judge Shirley Ballas, who had the casting vote this week, decided to also save Balvinder and Julian, securing their place in Strictly’s musicals week – and the quarter-final.
When asked about her time on the show, Alex said: “I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long. It’s been just the most incredible journey for me. I feel quite proud of myself because I’ve loved the process, I mean 100%, you can tell by my smile. Everyone always says that their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be.”
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Balvinder reflected on Alex’s exit from the BBC dance contest(Image: Balvinder Sopal Instagram)
Having broken the record for surviving the most dance-offs (five), Balvinder wanted to focus on Alex following her departure from the competition and took to Instagram with pictures of the pair together throughout their Strictly journey.
Alongside the post, the soap star shared: “@alexkingstonofficial… I dont have the words except a huge amount of love and respect for you. I’m constantly in awe of you in the way you have always carried yourself and I’ve loved watching you grace that ballroom floor with such passion and elegance.
“You kept us entertained with dancing on the floor and your hilarious stories backstage. You are the epitome of dignity and grace, and it has been such an honour to be with you in this mad competition. You and @johannesradebe were dynamite together. Your journey is one of strength and power, and an inspiration to all.”
The remaining five couples will return to the Strictly dancefloor on Saturday for the musicals week quarter-final which will also see them take on another brand new dance challenge, with further details to come.
