The glitterball may have slipped through their fingers, but Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has revealed the emotional journey she shared with partner Lewis Cope following their unexpected exit from the competition.
The Final Curtain Call
In an exclusive interview, Jones spoke candidly about the pair's shock elimination during Halloween week, describing their final performance as a "bittersweet moment" that neither saw coming. The dancing duo found themselves in the dreaded dance-off against Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin, ultimately failing to win over the judges.
A Partnership Built on Trust
"Lewis brought such incredible energy and dedication to every rehearsal," Jones revealed. "We developed a wonderful partnership in such a short time, and I'm incredibly proud of how much he grew as a dancer."
The Russian-born professional dancer, who previously won Strictly in 2017 with Joe McFadden, emphasised the unique connection they forged during their intensive training sessions.
The Halloween Heartbreak
Their final performance to "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell featured appropriately spooky theming, but it wasn't enough to save them from elimination. Jones described the atmosphere backstage as emotional, with both dancers processing the sudden end to their Strictly journey.
"The Halloween week is always particularly challenging with the elaborate costumes and themes," Jones explained. "We gave it everything we had, but sometimes the public vote doesn't go your way."
Looking to the Future
Despite the disappointment, both performers remain positive about their experience. Cope, known for his role in Netflix's The Last Kingdom, has reportedly gained a new appreciation for dance and may incorporate his newfound skills into future acting roles.
Jones confirmed she'll continue to support the remaining couples in the competition while already looking ahead to next year's series. "Every partnership on Strictly is special," she reflected, "but there was something truly magical about working with Lewis."
The Strictly Come Dancing competition continues this weekend on BBC One, with the remaining celebrities battling it out for a place in the coveted final.
