Overview

• Sopal confirmed her casting on August 16 via Instagram, describing it as a “dream 21 years in the making” after first asking her agent to approach BBC Strictly.
• She completed her first meet-and-greet with the show’s professional dancers and fellow contestants before starting formal rehearsals.
• Sopal was announced as the sixth contestant for the 2025 lineup ahead of the series premiere on BBC One and iPlayer next month.
• EastEnders producers have adjusted her filming schedule to allow her to participate in Strictly alongside her soap commitments.
• Colleagues including Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, Emma Barton and Shiv Jalota publicly sent messages of support following her announcement.