Katya Jones Breaks Down in Tears as Lewis Cope’s Shock Strictly Exit Sparks Fan Outrage

Katya Jones could not hold back her emotions on Monday night’s It Takes Two, breaking down as she admitted she blames herself for the heartbreaking elimination that sent shockwaves through the Strictly community. The normally composed professional dancer was visibly crushed — and her reaction has only intensified fan fury over what many are calling the most shocking exit of the series.

For weeks, Lewis Cope had been considered a clear finalist. The 30-year-old Emmerdale and Billy Elliot star delivered powerhouse routines, consistently ranking near the top of the leaderboard and earning praise from all four judges. Viewers believed he and Katya had a real shot at lifting the glitterball.

So when the pair unexpectedly landed in the dance-off — and were ultimately voted out — outrage erupted instantly.

A Devastating Scene on It Takes Two

Sitting beside Lewis, Katya’s voice cracked as she tried to explain the emotional weight of their exit.

Between tears, she confessed:

“I keep thinking I could’ve done things differently… He can only do what I ask him to do. And he did — every single time.”

The pressure of delivering flawless, crowd-pleasing routines week after week, she said, had taken an unseen emotional toll.

Lewis immediately comforted her, pulling her close:

“You have nothing to blame yourself for. Everything I achieved was because of you.”

Their bond — evident throughout the season — made the moment even harder for fans to watch.

The Dance-Off That Shocked the Nation

During Musicals Week, both remaining couples delivered high-scoring performances, yet Lewis and Katya still ended up fighting for a place in the semi-final.

• Amber & Nikita: Charleston to Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat

• Lewis & Katya: Salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story

Judge Shirley Ballas admitted she was stunned:

“I’m speechless. Absolutely speechless.”

When the judges ultimately split, Motsi Mabuse cast the decisive vote — choosing Amber and Nikita, eliminating Lewis and Katya in a moment viewers are still calling unforgivable.

The Internet Erupts in Fury

Fan reactions poured in within seconds:

• “The biggest robbery in Strictly history.”

• “Lewis was a finalist. End of. This feels wrong.”

• “Katya deserved that glitterball this year. Heartbreaking.”

Hashtags supporting Lewis trended throughout the night.

Lewis’s Final Words: Gratitude, Growth, and Grace

Despite the heartbreak, Lewis spoke with deep gratitude:

“This experience has been more than I ever imagined. If someone told me I’d last 11 weeks, I’d have taken that instantly.”

He praised the Strictly team for giving him space to grow and learn — and reserved his most emotional words for Katya:

“You’ve given me everything. As a coach, as a partner, as a friend. I couldn’t have done this with anyone else.”

Katya’s Heartfelt Tribute to Lewis

Through more tears, Katya told him:

“You created moments that will be remembered forever. You’re one of the best male celebrities this show has ever seen — and an even better human.”

She highlighted his kindness, humility, and the inspiration he brought to young boys who had never seen themselves in dance.

Lewis closed with a moving reflection:

“This show brought four generations of my family together every Saturday night. If you can touch even one life… that’s enough.”

A partnership that felt destined for the final has ended — but the impact of Lewis & Katya’s journey will be remembered long after the glitter settles.