Dr. Punam Krishan, a Scottish GP, has been eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, making her the fifth star to exit the popular TV dance competition. Despite her elimination, Dr. Krishan expressed how the experience brought joy not only to herself but also to her family and patients.
Dancing alongside her partner Gorka Marquez, Dr. Krishan performed a tango to Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams during Halloween week, but unfortunately lost out in a dance-off to singer Shayne Ward. Reflecting on her time on the show, Dr. Krishan mentioned how the experience improved her time management skills and taught her to “say yes more.”
Balancing her role as a GP with rigorous training sessions that could last up to eight hours, Dr. Krishan shared how consultations with her patients became more personal as they got to know her beyond her professional persona. She credited her practice manager, a Strictly “super fan,” for helping her navigate the demanding schedule.
Dr. Krishan, who is married to Scottish Conservative MSP Sandesh Gulhane, also highlighted the impact the show had on her family, bringing them joy, excitement, and escapism. She expressed gratitude for the memories made and the fun shared as a family throughout the Strictly journey.
Notably, Dr. Krishan and Marquez made show history earlier in the series by performing a traditional Bollywood routine, marking the first time in the show’s 20-year history that a couple danced to a Bollywood song. Dr. Krishan emphasized the importance of representation and hoped her children would feel proud seeing her showcase her cultural heritage on the dance floor.
Despite feeling “gutted” about her elimination, Dr. Krishan acknowledged the nerve-wracking nature of the competition, likening facing the judges to receiving exam results in front of the entire country. Overall, she cherished most of the experience and the opportunity to share her passion for dance with a wider audience.
