Strictly Come Dancing was rocked by one of its most surprising eliminations ever on Sunday night, as Emmerdale star Lewis Cope and his professional partner Katya Jones were sent home. The pair's exit, following a West Side Story-themed salsa, has sparked a fierce debate among viewers about what the competition truly values.
The Shocking Exit That Divided Fans
The departure of Lewis and Katya marks a significant upset in the 2025 series. Despite frequently earning high praise from the judges and even topping the leaderboard on Halloween Week with a perfect score of 40, their performance failed to secure enough public votes to keep them safe. This result underscores a recurring theme in the show: technical excellence is no guarantee of survival in a contest where viewer popularity plays a decisive role.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their disbelief and frustration. Many argued that the voting public is increasingly favouring celebrities who show a clear 'journey' of improvement, rather than those who enter the competition with prior dance experience. This shift in voter sentiment appears to have worked against Lewis, despite his protests that his background has been overstated.
The 'Professional' Label: A Burden for Lewis?
Lewis Cope has consistently pushed back against claims that he is a ringer or a professional dancer. He pointed out that his experience was from childhood, having played Michael in Billy Elliot the Musical at age 11, and later performing with an amateur hip-hop crew. He emphasised he hasn't been in a dance studio for 12 years before joining Strictly, focusing solely on his acting career since.
"It feels like a bit of an insult to those guys," Lewis told OK! Magazine, referring to the show's actual professional dancers. "They've dedicated their lives to this and they're incredible." His argument highlights the delicate balance Strictly contestants must strike between having some skill and being perceived as too accomplished for a fair fight.
Viewers Debate: A Dance Contest or a Popularity Contest?
The online reaction crystallised the core tension in Strictly Come Dancing. One supporter of the 'journey' narrative posted: "Some of us want to see people improve each week... to find their confidence. I for one am enjoying their journeys," referencing other contestants still in the competition.
Another viewer agreed, stating: "It shows that's not always the best dancers that prove popular... I didn't know Bal, George or even Kaz before this series but they take my votes every week. Are they the best dancers? No, but they are warm, humble and a joy."
A third fan delivered a blunt reminder of the show's mechanics: "Is everybody forgetting it's the public vote that puts people in the bottom two? There's always an element of a popularity contest in Strictly." This point was proven by the fate of fellow contestant Amber Davies, who also landed in the danger zone despite receiving a perfect 40 score on the same night.
The elimination of Lewis Cope and Katya Jones serves as a stark reminder that Strictly Come Dancing's glitterball trophy is won through a combination of judges' scores and public affection. As the competition moves into its final stages, the debate over what makes a true Strictly winner—raw talent or a relatable transformation—is sure to intensify.
