Lewis Cope Reflects on Shock Strictly Exit as Fans Express Outrage

Lewis Cope has publicly addressed his unexpected departure from Strictly Come Dancing, following a dramatic elimination that left fans calling it the “biggest robbery in show history.” The 30-year-old actor, who previously starred in Emmerdale, and his professional partner, Katya Jones, were eliminated after a tense dance-off against Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin. All four judges voted to save Davies, which stunned many viewers who believed Cope was a frontrunner to reach the final.

In an appearance on the show’s spin-off, It Takes Two, on March 4, 2024, Cope expressed his disappointment. “We’re just trying to focus on the positives,” he said. “It’s been an amazing 11 weeks and of course it hurts and it will take a bit of time to get over. But I’m really proud of what we’ve done.”

Katya Jones Overwhelmed by Emotions

During the same segment, Katya Jones was visibly emotional, shedding tears as she reflected on their journey. “We wouldn’t do anything differently,” she stated. “We stayed true to ourselves with each number.” She acknowledged the special bond they formed, highlighting how Cope’s support allowed her to showcase her full creativity. Their partnership was characterized by a positive approach, with Cope sending her daily motivational texts.

Cope’s family shared in his sadness over his exit but took pride in their support. He noted that it was meaningful to have four generations of his family present to witness his performances. As their discussion progressed, Katya became emotional again, lamenting on past routines and expressing a desire to have done things differently for Cope’s benefit. Cope reassured her, saying, “You did everything perfect.”

Jones, visibly moved, remarked on the challenges they faced during the competition, stating, “It’s tough but also I’m really, really proud. We grafted for weeks.” Cope reflected on the experience as “rewarding and heartwarming,” expressing gratitude for rekindling his passion for dance and life. “You have made me fall in love with dance but also made me fall in love with life again,” he said.

Viewer Reactions and Competition Landscape

The elimination sparked intense reactions from fans on social media. Many expressed their disbelief and anger, with one user stating, “This is a joke. #Strictly used to be a dancing competition, but the best dancer hasn’t won since Jay McGuiness in 2015.” Another fan echoed similar sentiments, indicating they might stop watching the series altogether due to the outcome.

During the quarter-final, Cope had tied for second place with Balvinder Sopal and George Clarke, each scoring 35. Show favourite Karen Carney finished just behind with a score of 34. Carney, who made history as the most successful footballer on the show, thanked her supporters and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

As the competition progresses, the unexpected results have raised questions about the voting process and the criteria used for determining eliminations. The level of talent displayed by Cope and Davies further highlights the competitive nature of this season. Fans will undoubtedly continue to engage passionately with the unfolding drama of Strictly Come Dancing as the series approaches its conclusion.