Latest news with #SukiPanesar
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders fans spot massive issue as Balvinder Sopal set to sign up for Strictly
EASTENDERS fans have spotted as a huge issue as star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for Strictly. The Sun revealed that Balvinder, who plays Suki Panesar, Advertisement 4 The Sun revealed EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for Strictly Credit: Getty 4 The actress plays matriarch Suki Panesar in the BBC soap Credit: BBC 4 Suki was originally introduced as a villain - but later won her family over Credit: BBC A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Writing online, soap fans have already spotted a big issue with the 46-year-old taking part. One wrote on Reddit: "Exciting! Didn't she have a leg injury though?" Advertisement Read more on EastEnders Another confirmed: "She broke her foot in 2024." At least year's Baftas, Balvinder The injury was later written into the character Suki's storyline in the BBC soap Meanwhile, other fans shared their excitement for Balvinder on Strictly, with one penning: "I'll be rooting for her, excited to watch." Advertisement Most read in Soaps Exclusive Exclusive A second person agreed: "YAASSSSS IM SO EXCITED FOR HER." While a third remarked: "Can't wait to see her outfits!!" EastEnders' Priya brutally blackmails Suki Panesar over her affair Before joining EastEnders in 2020, Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale , Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Her character Suki was initially a villain, Advertisement She won their trust over the years - and has since built up a life in Albert Square. This includes a lesbian affair with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), which ultimately evolved into the two getting married. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. Strictly 2025 - signings so far Strictly has yet to officially confirm the class of 2025, but here a few names who have already been linked to the series: The most recent example is Jamie Borthwick - aka Jay Brown - who took part in 2024. Advertisement This followed on from Previous Albert Square dancers have also included A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation." 4 Last year's Strictly featured Balvinder's co-star Jamie Borthwick Credit: PA Advertisement
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans spot massive issue as Balvinder Sopal set to sign up for Strictly
EASTENDERS fans have spotted as a huge issue as star Balvinder Sopal is set to sign up for Strictly. The Sun revealed that Balvinder, who plays Suki Panesar, is set to join this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up. 4 4 A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Writing online, soap fans have already spotted a big issue with the 46-year-old taking part. One wrote on Reddit: "Exciting! Didn't she have a leg injury though?" Another confirmed: "She broke her foot in 2024." At least year's Baftas, Balvinder wore a gold ballet pump on one foot and a moonboot on the other, as well as supporting herself with crutches. The injury was later written into the character Suki's storyline in the BBC soap Meanwhile, other fans shared their excitement for Balvinder on Strictly, with one penning: "I'll be rooting for her, excited to watch." A second person agreed: "YAASSSSS IM SO EXCITED FOR HER." While a third remarked: "Can't wait to see her outfits!!" Before joining EastEnders in 2020, Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Her character Suki was initially a villain, who faked cancer in a bid to win over her family who'd turned against her. She won their trust over the years - and has since built up a life in Albert Square. This includes a lesbian affair with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), which ultimately evolved into the two getting married. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. The most recent example is Jamie Borthwick - aka Jay Brown - who took part in 2024. This followed on from Bobby Brazier (2023), James Bye (2022), Rose Ayling-Ellis (2021), Maisie Smith (2020) and Emma Barton (2019). Previous Albert Square dancers have also included Brian Conley (2017), Tameka Empson (2016), Kellie Bright (2015), Jake Wood (2014), Sid Owen (2012), Scott Maslen (2010), Ricky Groves (2009), Gillian Taylforth (2008), Letitia Dean (2007), Louisa Lytton (2006) Patsy Palmer (2005) and Christopher Parker (2004). A BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation."
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 set to sign huge EastEnders star after dramatic Six murder
STRICTLY Come Dancing is set to sign a big EastEnders star for this year's series, The Sun can exclusively reveal. The soap actress joins a long list of Albert Square residents who have competed on the BBC1 dance series - and done sensationally well. 4 4 The lucky star gearing up for the dance floor is Balvinder Sopal, 46, plays Walford matriarch Suki Panesar. Her hard-nosed character was one of the infamous 'Six' who covered up the murder of mechanic Keanu Taylor. A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Balvinder made appearances in rival soaps Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks before bagging her breakthrough role on EastEnders. Her character Suki initially joined as a villain, faking cancer to win over her family who had all turned against her. But over the years she finally won them over, managing to escape the clutches of her abusive husband Nish who tried to kill her after discovering she had a secret lesbian affair with Eve Unwin. Suki finally married her lover having spent her entire adult life hiding her true sexuality and the couple now live with her son Vinny and stepson Ravi, and his children Davinder and Avani, and front various local businesses. In 2024 she was recognised for her work on Albert Square by winning the Soap Superstar gong at the Inside Soap Awards for her part in Keanu's death cover up - and bloody battles with husband Nish. Strictly has featured at least one current EastEnders star in the show's line-up in nearly every series since the dancing show first aired in 2004. EastEnders reveals New Year's Day bloodbath survivors - and who DIES Last year, Jamie Borthwick got the call up, following on from Bobby Brazier (2023), James Bye (2022), Rose Ayling-Ellis (2021), Maisie Smith (2020) and Emma Barton (2019). Previous Albert Square dancers have also included Brian Conley (2017), Tameka Empson (2016), Kellie Bright (2015), Jake Wood (2014), Sid Owen (2012), Scott Maslen (2010), Ricky Groves (2009), Gillian Taylforth (2008), Letitia Dean (2007), Louisa Lytton (2006) Patsy Palmer (2005) and Christopher Parker (2004). BBC spokesman said: "We don't comment on speculation." 4 4
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals she continued to film after cancer diagnosis because she thought she'd DIE
EASTENDERS actress Heather Peace has revealed why she decided to continue filming for her dramatic wedding scenes just hours after her cancer diagnosis. The 50-year-old, who plays Eve Unwin on the BBC One soap, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year but despite her health issues, she bravely continued to film for the soap. 5 Her character was embroiled in dramatic scenes which included her wedding to Suki Panesar as well as being poisoned by Suki's ex-husband Nish Panesar. Revealing why she decided to continue working, she told Gaby Roslin on her podcast that she wanted to film the important scenes because she feared she would die. The former Waterloo Road star expressed: 'We got back to Brighton at 7 o'clock, and I was on the road at 10 past five that morning, to Elstree, to start possibly the two biggest weeks that I've done on EastEnders.' Heather explained that she had told bosses about her diagnosis and was told she didn't need to come in while she was taking in the life-changing news as well as undergoing treatment. 'I said 'I need to come in' because at this point I don't know what's going to happen,' she continued. 'And I want to finish this arc of the story. Not coming in for the next two weeks is not going to change anything, but at least let me put the full stop on a story that's been playing out for nearly two and a half years. 'If we get to the end of that and we see them get married and we see them successful, if beyond that it's a mess, I can leave and feel like I've put a full stop on something." The soap star went on to have chemotherapy as well as undergoing a left breast mastectomy and a reconstruction. Just as she's about to begin radiotherapy, Heather revealed the heartbreaking news last week that her wife Ellie has also been diagnosed with the disease. She told the Mirror: 'Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy. EastEnders actress reveals secret cancer battle as she's supported by co-stars in emotional video "Of course then I come along with my 12 cm lump, absolutely ginormous, and mastectomy, chemotherapy, just about to go into radiotherapy. "She's like 'Even that you have to do bigger.' It's like 'Hold my beer.'" Last month Heather shared a video on Instagram of her at a wig fitting and captioned it with a heartfelt message. She divulged: 'This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. 5 5 'It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. "I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. "Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. "To conclude - I've just picked up my medal." She also took the opportunity to thank the EastEnders team for 'going above and beyond' and 'felt totally supported' by them. Heather concluded her post on a positive note as she said: 'I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx" Her co-star, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter on the show, was quick to comment on the post and sent warm wishes to her pal. She gushed: 'I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." Heather joined the long-running soap back in 2021 as Stacey Slater's prison pal-turned-wife and has been involved in a number of huge storylines over the past four years. Her character Eve was involved in an affair with Suki before being left for dead by Ravi Gulati and nearly killed on her wedding day on New Year's Day. 5
Metro
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
14 most groundbreaking lesbian couples, storylines and moments in soap history
Lesbian characters and relationships have been at the forefront of numerous high-profile soap storylines over the years, and what better time to reflect on some of our favourites than Lesbian Visibility Week? From Beth Jordache (Anna Friel) and Margaret Clemence's (Nicola Stephenson) first kiss in Brookside, to Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) and Eve Unwin's (Heather Peace) dramatic love affair in EastEnders, soaps have often paved the way for lesbian representation in the media. Having said that, there is still much more that can be done. Too often lesbian characters fall victim to the 'bury your gays' trope – where one person in the couple falls victim to an untimely death. However, with Lesbian Visibility Week well underway, we thought it was about time to shine a light on some of the most groundbreaking, game-changing and popular WLW moments in soap. Back in 1994, Brookside aired television's first pre-watershed lesbian kiss between Beth and Margaret. The scenes were watched by over 6 million viewers and have been hailed as one of the most famous LGBTQ+ moments in soap history. What's more, the short clip was later included in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and broadcast to billions of viewers across the world, including in 76 countries where same-sex relationships were still illegal, making it the first same-sex kiss to ever air in those countries. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) was Emmerdale's first lesbian character. She came out in emotional scenes in 1993 to mixed responses from her loved ones, and went on to have romances with a number of characters, including Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins). In 1996, Zoe's girlfriend Emma Nightingale asked her to marry her, and the pair later had a blessing ceremony to recognise their relationship. Unfortunately, things didn't last long, as Zoe decided to leave Emma for Susie Wilde. Suki Panesar's coming out story has been hailed by fans as one of the greatest pieces of representation on television. Over several years, Suki struggled to come to terms with her sexuality, and projected her internalised homophobia onto bisexual daughter Ash. Suki's journey to self-acceptance was a long and difficult road, and something that many members of the LGBTQ+ community could relate to. Ultimately, with support from her loved ones and girlfriend Eve Unwin, Suki has reached a point where she is proud of who she is, and isn't afraid to show affection to Eve in public – a huge step forward for the character, and an important journey to represent. In 2022, Emmerdale aired a storyline which saw Mary Goskirk (Louise Jameson) come out as a lesbian later in life. This was a subject that hadn't been tackled on the soap before, and was well received by viewers. Mary came out to good friend Kim Tate (Claire King) in emotional scenes, where she expressed her relief at having unburdened herself of this huge secret. While she hasn't been completely lucky in love since then, we're hopeful that things will work out for Mary, and she'll get her happy ever after in the end. Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) and Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson) captured the nation's hearts with their love story, and were on track to have Corrie's first lesbian wedding. Unfortunately, things didn't work out the way we all hoped they would, when Sophie ran away from the church and admitted her guilt for kissing someone else, which ultimately resulted in the end of their relationship and heartbreak for fans everywhere. In 2025, soap fans finally saw EastEnders' first lesbian wedding, and one of the first successful lesbian weddings in soap. After a difficult journey, Suki and Eve made it down the aisle and, defying all odds, tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony that represented their different cultures. Of course, this is a soap, so the day wasn't totally drama free, with Suki's ex-husband Nish Panesar poisoning Eve, before plummeting to his death from a balcony, taking Suki over the edge with him. Thankfully, both Suki and Eve survived, and have been happily married ever since. Every so often, soap couples will send fans into a frenzy and garner huge followings on social media. One such pairing was Emmerdale's Charity Dingle and Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) – affectionately dubbed Vanity. In October 2017 – on my 18th birthday, no less – Vanessa and Charity found themselves locked in the Woolpack cellar, and what followed came as a complete surprise to absolutely everyone. Following their night of passion, and months of asking 'Will they? Won't they?', Vanity finally made things official, much to the joy of their loyal supporters. Even now, fans are still hopeful that they may rekindle their relationship one day, but whether or not they will remains to be seen. Another couple that received heaps of support on social media was Kate Connor (Faye Brookes) and Rana Habeeb (Bhavna Limbachia). Rana's coming out story highlighted the difficulties faced by lesbians from religious communities, with Rana having grown up with strict Muslim parents. Just as it seemed that she would finally get her happy ending with Kate, Rana was left fighting for her life when the factory roof collapsed on top of her, and she ended up dying on their wedding day. The most recent sapphic couple to send fans into a frenzy has been Corrie's Carla Connor (Alison King) and DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers). The definition of a slow burn, fans first spotted the chemistry between the two characters over a year before they actually got together on screen. Since then, they have faced plenty of hurdles, from Carla's sepsis and being held hostage to Lisa's discovery of her wife's killers and shooting her own daughter – casual stuff, you know? Thankfully, it seems that, despite their challenges, Swarla are in it for the long haul, with producer Kate Brooks confirming that they will come out of it stronger than ever. Another WLW couple to capture viewers' hearts was Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell) and Juliet Nightingale (Niamh Blackshaw). Throughout their relationship, they had a lot of ups and downs, though they finally reunited in 2022. Tragically, their happiness would be ripped away when Juliet sadly died of Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2023. As an Evanescence obsessed lesbian, this storyline will forever be engrained in my psyche, so it had to be included on this list. In a completely shocking turn of events, New Year's Day 2020 saw Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) wake up in bed next to none other than lesbian lawyer Paula Martin (Stirling Gallacher). After being stood up by husband Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), who wasn't keen on their plans to see an Evanescence tribute band (I have often questioned Steve's judgement, but refusing to see something Evanescence related is the icing on the cake), Tracy instead spent her New Year with Paula, and one thing led to another… It didn't take long for the truth to come out, though Tracy's marriage remained largely unaffected by her infidelity. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In what can only be described as the greatest lesbian joke on television, Eve Unwin left EastEnders viewers in tears after a misunderstanding. When Suki and Eve moved in together, Eve worried that Suki had become overwhelmed, and scolded Priya Nandra- Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) for mocking her. Later, when Eve walked in on a conversation about London's ultra low emissions zone and Priya revealed to Suki that they were talking about 'ULEZ', she was quick to berate Priya for 'talking about Suki like that'. Thankfully, Suki saw the funny side, and viewers took to social media to express their joy at the hilarious scene. I have absolutely nothing thought-provoking to say about this, it was just iconic. On a more personal note, I couldn't write this list and not include Nina and Asha (Mollie Gallagher and Tanisha Gorey). Back in 2021, their first on-screen kiss was the catalyst to my own coming out journey. More Trending Though the soaps were still filming under Covid measures, with social distancing on set, Corrie didn't shy away from this special moment between the two characters. What was refreshing about this storyline was the fact that Nina and Asha didn't feel like they needed to hide their relationship, with Asha immediately opening up the conversation with her family and explaining how she didn't feel the need to label herself. While it is important to show the struggle that coming out can sometimes be, it is equally as important to represent the occasions when that isn't the case, as well as show LGBTQ+ people that coming out doesn't have to be something to be afraid of. View More » This article was first published on April 24, 2024. MORE: 'I was threatened with electroshock as a child for wearing a dress – now I'm proudly trans' MORE: Vanessa and Charity 'unite' to stop Sarah's wild plan in Emmerdale MORE: Trans rights groups descend on London for mass protest
