The quest to find this year's champion of Strictly Come Dancing has reached its climax, with the finalists officially announced following the latest elimination episode. But here's where it gets controversial—one of the most debated moments in the competition's history unfolded during Sunday night's results show. This week, the competition was fierce, with the bottom two couples facing off in a tense dance-off that ultimately decided who would continue and who would bow out.
The dance survivors were EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, partnered with Julian Caillon, and reality TV personality Amber Davies, paired with Nikita Kuzmin. Remarkably, Sopal faced elimination for a record sixth time this series, making her journey even more dramatic. After a dramatic showdown, the judges decided to send Sopal home, allowing Davies—who also survived the dance-off last week—to secure her spot alongside finalists George Clarke, a social media sensation, and Karen Carney, a former professional footballer.
For her semi-final performances, Sopal danced a Salsa and a Waltz, both of which she adored, expressing her heartfelt gratitude afterward. She shared during the Sunday night results segment: "Every moment has been incredible, from the challenges to the dance-offs, but above all, I cherished every single minute dancing on this floor with such a talented and kind person."
Reflecting on her experience, she added: "This was my 'Yes Year'—I said yes to Strictly despite tough times with my family, and I am so grateful for this journey. I want to thank Julian for being exceptional—whenever I wobbled or felt confident, you kept me grounded and optimistic. On this dance floor, I never felt alone. Please, don't forget me too soon."
Caillon praised Sopal's resilience and spirit, saying she embodies everything that makes Strictly Come Dancing special. He observed: "Her unbreakable spirit has shown me that perhaps I was aiming too small in life. Bal inspires us all to chase our dreams with passion, no matter what they are."
Meanwhile, over the weekend, the remaining contestants showcased two routines each, vying for the judges' favor and the viewers’ admiration. Among the performances, Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu received a near-perfect score of 78 out of 80, topping the leaderboard and confirming their strong contender status.
Additionally, the results show featured a touching farewell to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who are stepping down after many successful seasons. In a heartfelt tribute, the team played a highlight reel of their best moments, and both presenters received special golden Glitterball trophies as tokens of appreciation.
Viewers also enjoyed a festive, star-studded performance by Kylie Minogue, singing her new track "XMAS" alongside 16 professional dancers from Strictly. The show closed with a vibrant rendition of the 90s hit "Sit Down" by the band James, adding even more energy to the evening.
Next Saturday at 19:00 GMT, the final episode will broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, where the remaining three couples will take to the dance floor once more. The grand winner will be crowned during this special conclusion to the series. Are you rooting for a particular contestant? Do you believe the judges' decisions are always fair? Share your thoughts—these moments often spark lively debate and discussion.
