Strictly Come Dancing's Balvinder Sopal is throwing her hat in the ring for the Glitterball Trophy alongside new pro Julian Caillon. This week, the pair were smack bang in the middle of the leaderboard with a score of 28 and 7s all around, putting them sixth from the bottom. Despite having a steady spot on the board, they were still forced into the dance-off after failing to win over the public, performing in the dance off alongside Chris and Nadiya, who got a score of 24 from the judges; La Voix and Aljaz did not compete in the dance off despite a very low score of 14.

Viewers have been addressing claims that the show has turned into more of a "popularity" contest than a dance competition, but one thing people have noted is how often Balvinder seems to be at the bottom of the scoreboard with fans. From voter polls to the results on a Sunday night, viewers have noticed a drop in Balvinder's popularity - despite not being the worst dancer in the show.

And now fans think they've figured out what it could be, with one user writing: "Just a thought, Maybe Bal isn't getting votes because of Julian. People don't know him that well and don't seem to have warmed to him. I remember when him and Alexis were announced people were all over Alexis and not him. He doesn't seem that popular."

One user responded: "I think you're right there... Julian doesn't have a following unlike Aljaz, Jo-Jo, Diane and those who have been there for more than four years. I really don't understand why the public vote is so against Balvinder." A third added: "Could well be. People love Aljaz which is probably partly why he went through."

People noted this as the reason because one thing most people have agreed on is that Balvinder shouldn't have been in the dance off this week.

She had also been in the dance off the week before, but the judges saved her two weeks in a row.

In a joint post shared to Instagram afterwards, Julian wrote: "Well that was stressful. So incredibly proud of Balvinder, being in a dance off is tough, but backing it up two weeks in a row was a tough mental challenge.

"A massive shout out to Chris and Nadiya who danced amazingly and are just simply two incredible human beings. We live to fight another day and that's exactly what we're gonna do. Bring on icons week! Thank you to everyone for the support, we need you guys more than ever."

Balvinder added that it had been a "tough week." She had a breakdown mid-week and had to force herself to dance after telling herself she was good enough to do it again.

She praised her partner and wrote: "I love every moment with you in the rehearsal room and on the dance floor; your choreography is dynamic and creative - you are intuitive and know what I need whether it's all going wrong or right. Even though I am so out of my comfort zone you make me want to dive in again and again and find the music."