In a breathtaking moment that left both judges and viewers speechless, Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lewis Cope has smashed records by achieving the first perfect score of the 2024 series. The Waterloo Road actor and his professional partner Nancy Xu delivered what many are calling one of the most memorable performances in the show's history.
A Dance for the History Books
Saturday night's electrifying episode saw Cope and Xu take to the floor with an Argentine Tango set to 'I Wanna Be Your Slave' by Måneskin. The routine proved so flawless that head judge Shirley Ballas declared it contained "the best leg action I have ever seen from a male celebrity."
The tension in the studio became palpable as the judges delivered their verdicts. One by one, the scorecards revealed the magical numbers: Craig Revel Horwood's rarely-given 10 joined by perfect scores from Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
Emotional Backstage Reactions
Backstage, an overwhelmed Cope struggled to process the achievement. "I'm absolutely speechless," the actor confessed. "I never imagined getting one 10, let alone four! This has been the most incredible journey."
Professional partner Nancy Xu fought back tears, describing the moment as "a dream come true" after years of dedication to her craft. The pair's chemistry has been building throughout the competition, culminating in this career-defining performance.
What This Means for the Competition
This landmark achievement places Cope and Xu in an enviable position as the competition approaches its climax. With the final just weeks away, the pressure mounts for other celebrity contestants including television presenter Rhys Stephenson and Coronation Street star Elle Mulvaney.
The perfect score comes at a crucial moment in the series, setting a new standard of excellence that other couples will struggle to match. As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on whether any other pair can replicate this extraordinary accomplishment.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to captivate Saturday night audiences, proving once again why it remains the nation's favourite dance entertainment show. With performances like Cope's Argentine Tango, the 2024 series is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
