Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into a fresh 'fix' scandal just days after its glittering launch show, as the past dance experience of EastEnders actor Lewis Cope comes to light.
The actor, who was partnered with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova during Saturday's launch, was introduced to viewers as a complete novice. However, it has now emerged that Cope has significant prior dance training, having studied performing arts at a prestigious institution.
A History Hidden In Plain Sight
Furious viewers have taken to social media to express their outrage, accusing the BBC of deliberately misleading the public. Many feel that Cope's casting gives him an unfair advantage over other celebrities who genuinely have two left feet.
'It's an absolute fix,' one viewer tweeted. 'He clearly has dance experience. Why pretend he's a beginner?'
The BBC's Defence
While the BBC maintains that all contestants have varying degrees of movement experience from their day jobs, they stand by their classification. A spokesperson for the show stated that 'prior dance experience' specifically refers to formal, ballroom or Latin training, which they claim Cope does not have.
This explanation has done little to quell the growing anger from the Strictly fanbase, who feel the spirit of the competition—watching a star transform from amateur to dancer—has been compromised.
A Pattern Of Controversy
This is not the first time Strictly has faced allegations of being a 'fix'. The show has frequently been criticised for casting stars with hidden dance backgrounds, from gymnasts to theatre performers, blurring the lines of what constitutes a true beginner.
As the competition prepares for its first live show, all eyes will be on Lewis and Nadiya. Their first performance will now be scrutinised not just for its entertainment value, but for any sign of the training that has sparked this nationwide row.
