The glitterball dream is over for actor Lewis Cope, who became the latest celebrity to be voted off BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing in a tense Sunday night results show. His emotional exit came just one week before the coveted semi-finals.
The Final Dance-Off
During the broadcast on Sunday 7 December 2025, Cope and his professional partner, Katya Jones, found themselves in the dreaded bottom two. They faced a dance-off against fellow competitors Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin.
The judging panel had a difficult decision, as both couples performed their routines again in a bid to stay in the competition. Ultimately, the judges chose to save Davies and Kuzmin, who had previously topped the leaderboard with their performances. This decision secured the pair's place in next week's semi-final.
An Emotional Farewell
Following the announcement of his elimination, a visibly moved Lewis Cope reflected on his time in the competition. He described his 11 weeks on the show as an experience that exceeded all his expectations, calling it "more than I could have ever wished for" and a memory he would cherish for life.
His professional partner, Katya Jones, was full of praise for Cope. She emotionally stated that he was one of the best male celebrities the show has ever seen, highlighting his kind, humble, and genuinely good nature throughout their journey together.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
Cope's departure narrows the field as the remaining couples prepare for the high-pressure semi-finals. The competition is now fiercer than ever, with each contestant just two performances away from a place in the grand final.
While his Strictly journey has ended, Lewis Cope leaves the dance floor with the admiration of the judges, his fellow contestants, and the show's millions of viewers. His progression from novice to confident performer over the 11-week run stands as a testament to his dedication and hard work.
