Fans Outraged After Lewis Cope’s Shock Exit From Strictly Following Tense Dance-Off Against Amber Davies
The Strictly Come Dancing ballroom erupted in disbelief last night as Lewis Cope — one of this year’s most consistent and charismatic performers — was sensationally eliminated just days before the semi-finals.
The 30-year-old Emmerdale actor, dancing with pro partner Katya Jones, found himself in a shock bottom-two battle against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin despite sitting near the top of the Musicals Week leaderboard.
A Dance-Off No One Saw Coming
What stunned fans even more was that both couples had been strong contenders all week. Amber and Nikita dazzled with a polished Charleston to Guys and Dolls, while Lewis and Katya delivered a high-energy salsa set to West Side Story.
But when it came down to the judges’ votes, the tension was palpable.
Shirley Ballas paused for several seconds before speaking — visibly stunned by the pairing in front of her.
“I’m absolutely speechless,” she said quietly.
“You have to dance your way into the semi-final… may the best couple win.”
Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke both opted to save Amber and Nikita. With Shirley siding with them too, Motsi Mabuse delivered the decisive vote — sealing Lewis and Katya’s fate.
Fans on Social Media Erupt: “He Was Finalist Material!”
Seconds after the elimination aired, X (Twitter) exploded with anger:
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“Lewis was robbed. End of story.”
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“Katya deserved her third glitterball — I’m devastated for them.”
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“A dance-off between two of the best? Makes zero sense.”
Many viewers argued the salsa critique was unusually harsh, pointing out Lewis’s strong track record and emotional storytelling across the season.
Lewis Responds With Grace Despite “Heartbreaking” Exit
Following the result, Lewis addressed the audience with a steady but emotional voice:
“I never thought I’d last 11 weeks. This whole experience has been beyond anything I ever imagined.”
He then thanked Katya for her mentorship and friendship:
“I couldn’t picture this journey with anyone else. Thank you for pushing me, teaching me, and believing in me.”
Katya, visibly shaken, praised Lewis with one of the most heartfelt tributes of the night:
“You’ve created moments that will live in Strictly history. You are one of the strongest male celebs we’ve ever had.”
Musicals Week Delivers Fire — But Loses a Fan Favourite
The episode also featured standout entertainment:
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A sultry Cell Block Tango performance by the Strictly Professionals
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A theatrical number from the cast of the award-winning Titanique
But the mood shifted quickly once the dance-off result was announced — replacing excitement with widespread frustration.
Four Couples Move Forward — But the Finale Now Looks Very Different
With Lewis gone, the race to the glitterball takes on an entirely new shape. Amber, meanwhile, becomes one of the most polarising finalists in recent years — praised for talent, questioned for last night’s outcome.
Next week’s semi-final will feature special performances from Kylie Minogue and Five — but the absence of Lewis Cope is already casting a long shadow over the competition.