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After Shirley Ballas’s Critique Draws Boos, Balvinder Sopal Survives Strictly Dance-Off

A sharp critique from the head judge reignited questions over judging influence on the public vote.

Overview

  • Sopal scored 26 out of 40 for a foxtrot to The Way You Look Tonight during Movie Week.
  • Shirley Ballas told her the footwork was “not very good” to boos from the audience, scoring six as did Anton Du Beke, while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse gave sevens.
  • Despite outscoring several competitors on the night, Sopal and new professional partner Julian Caillon landed in the bottom two with Ross King.
  • The judges unanimously saved Sopal and Caillon in the dance-off, and King with Jowita Przystal was eliminated, with Ballas indicating she would have agreed if needed.
  • Viewers on social media blamed harsh feedback and lower marks for Sopal’s vulnerability and urged increased voting support.