Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in shock as fan favourite Lewis Cope was eliminated from the competition on Sunday night after an unexpected dance-off with Amber Davies. Despite both being near the top of the leaderboard for Musicals week, Lewis and his partner Katya Jones faced the judges’ vote after their second performance, while Amber and Nikita Kuzmin sailed through to the semi-finals.
The dramatic elimination came after both couples performed their routines once more, with Amber and Nikita showcasing a stunning Charleston to Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat from Guys and Dolls, followed by Lewis and Katya’s salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story.
Shirley Ballas, left speechless after the result, told the couples: “I’m absolutely speechless. You have to dance your place in the semi-finals. We are all admiring of all of you. May the best man win.” However, Motsi Mabuse cast the final vote, deciding to send Amber and Nikita through to the next round after the other judges backed the former Love Island star.
The decision left viewers furious, with many taking to X to express their disbelief. “I’m heartbroken for Katya, I really thought she’d win it this year,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Lewis was incredible. He really didn’t deserve to go home this early.” Many fans felt Lewis had shown immense talent and had deserved a place in the semi-finals.
On Saturday, the judges had noted that Lewis’s salsa performance wasn’t his strongest, awarding him a score of 35. Shirley Ballas mentioned, “There were missed connections, and you looked a little bit tight.”
Despite his early exit, Lewis reflected on his time on the show, saying, “It’s been more than I could have ever wished for. If someone would have said I’d have done 11 weeks, I’d have been over the moon.”
Lewis also expressed gratitude towards his partner Katya, saying, “I couldn’t imagine it with anyone else. Thank you for everything.” Katya, visibly emotional, praised Lewis for creating memorable moments, stating, “You’ll be remembered as one of the best male celebrities we’ve ever had.”
Although devastated by the result, Lewis remained positive, acknowledging the joy the show had brought him and his family, adding, “It’s everything. It’s brought people together in ways I never expected.”
The Musicals Week results show also featured a sizzling performance from the Strictly Professionals, dancing to Cell Block Tango from Chicago, as well as a performance from the cast of the Olivier Award-winning Titanique.
With four couples now advancing to the semi-finals, the competition heats up, promising more thrilling routines and show-stopping performances. The semi-finals will air next weekend, with special guest performances from Kylie Minogue and Five.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/