Get behind battler Bal to light up Blackpool

SPARE a thought for Balvinder Sopal. When she said on Sunday that she just didn’t want to do the Strictly dance-off, you would have to have a heart of stone not to feel sorry for her.

- NICOLA METHVEN

She's now equalled 2015 contestant Jamelia's record of surviving four head-to-head battles for survival.

But surely, in Blackpool, the voting public needs to give Balvinder the support she deserves and let her just sail through to the following week without needing to dance twice?

The poor girl must be wondering how on earth she is still in the competition and also why it keeps on happening.

FIGHT

But one thing is sure. Even though the situation is inevitably making her feel a bit unloved, it’s also making her fight. And boy, is she good at that.

I am backing an idea I saw suggested by a fan who sensed she was "absolutely crushed" at the weekend.

They said that if a few George Clarke fans threw the soap star a side vote, she could have a week away from the dreaded red zone.

"George would still avoid the dance-off due to the apparent huge size of his fanbase and Bal could get a much needed break," they added.