In an emotional and revealing interview, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has broken his silence about his whirlwind journey on Strictly Come Dancing and the devastating moment his time on the show was cut short.
The Dream Partnership That Captivated Viewers
When Lewis Cope was paired with professional dancer Katya Jones, viewers immediately sensed something special. The chemistry between the Emmerdale star and the Strictly veteran was palpable from their very first rehearsal.
"From day one, we just clicked," Lewis revealed. "Katya understood me both as a dancer and as a person. We developed this incredible trust that translated onto the dance floor."
The Heartbreaking Exit That Shook the Competition
Their journey came to an abrupt end during Movie Week, leaving both dancers and fans in shock. Lewis described the moment as "truly devastating," admitting he had to fight back tears when the elimination was announced.
"We had so much more to give," he confessed. "We were just getting started, finding our rhythm and building something special. To have it end so suddenly was incredibly difficult to process."
Behind the Scenes: The Unseen Bond
What viewers didn't see was the profound connection that developed off-camera. Lewis spoke warmly about Katya's dedication, noting how she tailored her teaching style to his learning process and emotional needs.
"She wasn't just teaching me steps; she was helping me find confidence I didn't know I had," Lewis shared. "We laughed, we worked incredibly hard, and we built a partnership that felt genuinely unique."
Life After Strictly: Reflections and Regrets
Now looking back on his Strictly experience, Lewis admits to mixed emotions. While grateful for the opportunity, he can't help but wonder what might have been.
"I wish we'd had more time to show people what we could really do," he reflected. "We had some amazing routines planned that never saw the light of day."
The Silver Linings and Lasting Impact
Despite the premature ending, Lewis remains positive about his Strictly journey. The experience, though brief, left an indelible mark on both his personal and professional life.
"I discovered a passion for dance I never knew existed," he said. "And I made a friend in Katya that I know will last long beyond the show. Sometimes the shortest journeys make the biggest impact."
As for whether he'd do it all again? "In a heartbeat," Lewis confirmed without hesitation. "The nerves, the pressure, the early mornings - all of it was worth it for those magical moments on the dance floor."
