In a dramatic turn of events on Sunday night's results show, actor Lewis Cope became the latest celebrity to be voted off BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing. The 30-year-old former Emmerdale star faced reality TV personality Amber Davies and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin in a tense dance-off, with the judges ultimately choosing to save the latter pair.
The Decisive Dance-Off
The fateful decision followed Saturday's main show, where Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones had performed a salsa to "Dance At The Gym" from West Side Story, earning a respectable 35 points from the judges. Their opponents, Davies and Kuzmin, had topped the leaderboard with their Charleston to "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat" from Guys And Dolls. This performance secured their place in the semi-finals, where they will join EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, internet star George Clarke, and former Lioness Karen Carney.
An Emotional Farewell
Following his elimination, an emotional Cope addressed presenter Tess Daly and the studio audience. "It's been more than I could have ever wished for," he stated. "If someone would have said that I'd have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I'd have been over the moon and snap their hand off."
He extended heartfelt thanks to the entire production for creating a space where people can "be themselves, grow, learn, express themselves," calling it an "incredible" memory he would cherish for life. Paying tribute to his partner, he said, "I think it's all down to you... You've literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher."
Praise from a Professional Partner
Katya Jones was equally effusive in her praise for Cope. "I think you have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books," she said, declaring him potentially "the best male celebrity we've ever had on the show." She highlighted his character, calling him a "kind and genuine" gentleman and expressed pride in showcasing his talent to the world.
Cope also reflected on the show's wider impact, noting how it had brought his own family together across four generations every Saturday night. He shared touching anecdotes about his nana Dot and mentioned young boys who, inspired by his journey, had started dancing themselves. "If you can change one person's life like that, then that's enough," he concluded.
The results show on Sunday 07 December 2025 also featured a group number by the Strictly professionals to "Cell Block Tango" from Chicago and a performance by the cast of Titanique. The competition now moves to the semi-final, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6.35pm on Saturday, with the results show at 7.45pm next Sunday. The four remaining couples will each perform two new routines, with guest performances from Kylie Minogue and boyband Five. Fans can catch Lewis Cope and Katya Jones on the Strictly companion show It Takes Two on Monday at 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
