EASTENDERS star Balvinder Sopal has revealed that it has taken 21 years to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress was previously revealed to be part of the cast of the 2025 edition of the long-running BBC celebrity dancing competition.
Balvinder, 46, rose to prominence in 2020 when she made her first appearance as Suki Panesar in EastEnders.
Before this, she held various roles in huge shows such as Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Doctors and Hollyoaks.
After becoming a fan favourite amongst soap fans, she will strut her stuff on the BBC One dance floor.
However, competing on the celebrity ballroom dancing programme has been a dream for the actress since the show launched in 2004.
Balvinder broke her silence on the announcement of her participation as she opened up on her journey on Instagram.
The forthcoming contestant admitted that her team has been on at bosses to book her for the show for two decades.
She wrote: “A dream 21 years in the making from when I first asked my agent to ask @bbcstrictly if I could be on the show.
“Never did I ever think it would happen. And now…. since the announcement my feet haven’t touched the ground.”
The actress continued: “And we haven’t even started properly.
“Yesterday was a big day; our first day meeting and greeting the Strictly Team, the other brilliant and talented contestants, and of course, the PROS.”
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The actress did not give any hints about who her partner is, but she did say that she loved seeing them.
“Watching the pros on telly is one thing… seeing them in person is a whole other story. In absolute awe,” she stated.
Balvinder praised bosses at the long-running soap for allowing her to take the time to rehearse.
She explained: “@bbceastenders – simply THANK YOU for allowing this to happen, @bbcstrictly THANK YOU for asking me.
“And thank you to every single one of you whom have sent messages of love and support, and shared in my absolute delight & excitement of this wonderful opportunity.”
Balvinder added: “It’s going to be tough, but I know one thing for sure, I am going to savour every single second of my journey on Strictly Come Dancing.
“Come, let’s dance.”
