‘Novice’ Balvinder Sopal opens up on leaving Strictly after semi-final dance-off | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRichard GilzeneMonday 15 December 2025 22:56 GMTStrictly's Balvinder says as a 'novice' she had no chance against Amber in dance offBalvinder Sopal believed her time on Strictly Come Dancing was "game over" in the semi-final dance-off against Amber Davies.Sopal described herself as a "novice" compared to Davies, whom she considered to be of a "different calibre."Amber Davies has faced criticism from viewers who argue her West End stage career gives her an unfair advantage in the competition.Davies's dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, has urged viewers to "be kind" in response to the criticism.Sopal made these remarks during an appearance on Strictly: It Takes Two following her elimination.In fullStrictly’s Balvinder says as a ‘novice’ she had no chance against Amber in semi final dance offThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in