Katya Jones Breaks Down in Tears After Lewis Cope’s Shock Strictly Exit

Katya Jones Breaks Down in Tears as She Blames Herself for Lewis Cope’s Shock Strictly Exit

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left stunned on Sunday night as fan favourite Lewis Cope was dramatically eliminated from the competition — a result many viewers branded “the biggest robbery in Strictly history.” But away from the ballroom, the heartbreak hit even harder for his professional partner, Katya Jones.

The following night on It Takes Two, Katya, 36, was visibly emotional as she reflected on their devastating exit. Fighting back tears, she admitted she has been blaming herself for Lewis’s elimination — despite his powerhouse performances week after week.

“I can’t help but think I could have done things differently,” she said through tears.
“He can only do what I ask him to do — and he didn’t just do that once. He did it every single time. We were under constant pressure to deliver these almost-perfect, show-stopping routines every Saturday… and you did. I don’t even know how.”

As Lewis gently wrapped an arm around her, he quickly reassured her with a smile:
“Because of you.”

A Shock Dance-Off No One Expected

The result sent shockwaves through the Strictly fandom. Lewis, 30 — best known for his role in Billy Elliot and also starring in Emmerdale — had been tipped by many to lift the Glitterball this year. He and Katya consistently sat near the top of the leaderboard and were widely seen as finalists.

So when they landed in the dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, viewers were left in disbelief.

Both couples were forced to perform again for their place in the semi-finals.
Amber and Nikita reprised their Charleston to Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat from Guys and Dolls, while Lewis and Katya delivered their high-energy Salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story.

Judge Shirley Ballas admitted the decision left her “speechless,” adding:

“You have to dance for your place in the semi-final. We admire you all. May the best man win.”

But it was Motsi Mabuse who held the casting vote — and she chose to save Amber and Nikita, sending Lewis and Katya home despite furious backlash from viewers.

Fans Explode with Anger

Social media erupted within seconds of the result being announced.

“This is unbelievable — Lewis deserved the final,” one fan wrote.
“I’m heartbroken for Katya… I really thought she’d finally win this year,” said another.
And one message summed up the mood perfectly:

“We’ll never see another Lewis and Katya dance. I’m devastated.”

Lewis’s Graceful Goodbye

Despite his disappointment, Lewis handled the moment with humility and emotion, telling host Tess Daly:

“This has been more than I ever could have wished for. If someone had told me at the start I’d make it 11 weeks, I would’ve snapped their hand off.”

He continued:

“This show gives people a space to grow, learn, and be themselves. I’ll carry this for the rest of my life. And honestly, Katya — it’s all down to you. You’ve given me everything as a teacher, as a partner, and as a friend. I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.”

Katya’s Emotional Tribute to Lewis

Katya responded with a heartfelt message that left viewers in tears:

“You’ve created moments on Strictly that will live in the history books. You’ll be remembered as one of the best male celebrities this show has ever had — but more than that, as the incredible person you are.”

She added:

“Kind, genuine people still exist — and you’re living proof of that. Thank you for letting the world see not just your talent, but your heart.”

A Legacy Beyond the Dancefloor

Lewis also spoke movingly about the impact the show has had on his family and viewers:

“It’s brought four generations of my family together every Saturday night — my nana smiling through every dance.”

He added that young boys had reached out saying they were inspired to try dancing for the first time after watching him:

“If you change just one person’s life like that — that’s enough.”

No Crown — But a Lasting Legacy

Lewis may not have made the semi-final…
Katya may not have lifted the Glitterball this year…

But together, they created something far more lasting than a trophy — a partnership defined by trust, growth, emotion, and inspiration that fans will remember long after this series ends.

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