Strictly Come Dancing's latest sensation Lewis Cope has revealed his girlfriend's brutally honest reaction to his sizzling on-screen chemistry with professional dance partner Katya Jones. The Emmerdale star, who set the dancefloor alight with Saturday's spectacular Argentine Tango, didn't hold back when discussing how his real-life partner feels about his intense rehearsal schedule with the stunning Russian dancer.
Behind the Scenes of Strictly Romance Rumours
In an exclusive revelation that will resonate with many Strictly contestants' partners, Cope admitted his girlfriend has been watching their progress with a mixture of pride and amusement. "She finds the whole thing absolutely hilarious," the actor confessed, putting to rest any speculation about backstage tensions.
The couple's breathtaking performance during Movie Week earned them the first perfect score of the 2024 series, leaving judges and audiences completely mesmerised. Their Argentine Tango to 'Assassin's Tango' from Mr & Mrs Smith received a standing ovation and unanimous 10s across the board.
The Making of a Perfect Score
What made their achievement even more remarkable was the transformation from their previous week's performance, which had placed them near the bottom of the leaderboard. Jones, known for her choreographic genius and previous victory with Joe McFadden, crafted a routine that showcased Cope's rapid improvement and natural dance ability.
"We knew we had something special with this routine," Cope revealed. "The intensity and connection required for the Argentine Tango meant we spent hours perfecting every movement, every glance. Katya pushed me harder than I've ever been pushed before."
Life Beyond the Dancefloor
Despite the intimate nature of their dance partnership, Cope was quick to emphasise the professional boundaries both maintain. "At the end of the day, it's about creating art and telling a story through dance," he explained. "My girlfriend understands this completely and has been my biggest supporter throughout the entire process."
The couple's triumph comes amid growing speculation about which celebrity-pro pairing could lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy this year. With their perfect score setting a new benchmark for the competition, bookmakers have immediately slashed their odds, positioning them as serious contenders for the title.
