Outraged fans of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing have threatened to abandon the show after a hugely controversial elimination during the quarter-finals on Sunday, 7th December 2025.
Judges' Decision Sparks Viewer Fury
Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, 30, was sent home following a tense dance-off against Amber Davies and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin. The judging panel, consisting of Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, unanimously chose to save Amber, sealing Lewis's fate.
The decision proved massively divisive, with many viewers taking to social media to declare they would stop watching. The backlash centred on Lewis's status as a frontrunner and the perceived quality of his performances throughout the series.
A Devastating Departure and Public Backlash
Lewis's professional partner, Katya Jones, was visibly emotional, telling him he was "the best male celebrity we've ever had on the show". Her sentiment was echoed by a wave of disappointed supporters online.
Viewer Alan Price stated he was "devastated" and would now "switch off from the show". Lynne Dudfield called the result "Totally fixed", vowing not to watch further. Elaine Smith suggested his consistent high standard had worked against him, saying, "He was never going to be allowed to win".
However, not all agreed. Some audience members felt the judges made the correct call, noting that Lewis's Musicals Week salsa to 'Dance at the Gym' from West Side Story had been criticised for several flaws and was "not his best" effort.
From Perfect Score to Quarter-Final Exit
The elimination marked a dramatic turn for the couple, who just weeks earlier during the Halloween special had scored the first perfect 40 of the series for their Couple's Choice routine to Radiohead's 'Creep'.
In contrast, Amber and Nikita had wowed the judges on Saturday night, earning a flawless score for their Charleston to a number from Guys and Dolls, making their survival in the dance-off a foregone conclusion for many.
Reflecting on his journey, Lewis told host Tess Daly, "It's been more than I could have ever wished for." He paid tribute to Katya, calling her an incredible friend and teacher, and highlighted how the show had brought his family together and inspired young boys to dance.
The semi-final line-up is now confirmed: Amber Davies, George Clarke (the last male celebrity), Balvinder Sopal, and Karen Carney. The show continues on Saturday, 13th December at 6:35pm on BBC One, with performances from Kylie Minogue and Five.
