Strictly Come Dancing has been thrown into full-blown chaos after fan favourite Lewis Cope was brutally eliminated just one week before the semi-final — and furious viewers are now turning their anger directly on the judges.
For weeks, Lewis had been tipped as a clear finalist, praised for his consistency, charm and explosive performances. But in one devastating twist, his journey was brought to a sudden and shocking end — sparking what many fans are calling the biggest robbery in Strictly history.
Social media erupted within minutes of the result.
“This is the most unfair elimination I’ve ever seen.”
“He was final material. This is outrageous.”
“I’m done with Strictly after this.”
The Dance That Changed Everything
The downfall began on Saturday night when Lewis and partner Katya Jones performed a Salsa to West Side Story. Despite delivering a strong routine, the judges were noticeably harsher than usual — and for the first time in weeks, Lewis received his lowest score of the season: 35 points.
Shirley Ballas told him it “wasn’t your best.”
Anton demanded “more subtlety.”
Craig criticised the routine as “unfinished.”
Those scores pushed Lewis into a dangerous tie on the leaderboard — a moment that would prove fatal.
Dance-Off Disaster and Sudden Exit
On Sunday night, Lewis found himself in the bottom two against Amber Davies. After both couples danced again, the judges chose to save Amber — sending Lewis home in a result that left the studio stunned.
Viewers at home were devastated.
“I’m physically shaking.”
“He was robbed blind.”
“That result makes no sense.”
Judges Accused of Manipulation
The backlash quickly turned explosive, with fans accusing the judges of engineering the result through chaotic scoring.
“They tied too many couples on purpose.”
“The judges put him at risk — not the public.”
Some even called for a complete judging panel overhaul next season.
“Bring back Darcey and Bruno!”
“The judges stitched Lewis up.”
Former Pro Ola Jordan Breaks Silence
Adding fuel to the fire, former Strictly professional Ola Jordan publicly blasted the judges, calling for a major change in how scores are handled.
“They’re paid to judge properly,” she said.
“You don’t tie people this late in the competition. In real dance contests, you rank them. No excuses.”
She went further:
“If Lewis hadn’t been tied on the leaderboard, I’m convinced he would still be in the competition.”
A Shock That Could Change Strictly Forever
Lewis’ elimination has now become more than a result — it’s a controversy threatening the credibility of the show itself. Fans feel blindsided, betrayed, and deeply disappointed that one of the strongest dancers was cut down just steps away from the final.
As one viewer summed it up:
“This wasn’t just an elimination. This was a heartbreak.”
And now, one question hangs over Strictly like a storm cloud:


The Dance That Changed Everything
Dance-Off Disaster and Sudden Exit
Judges Accused of Manipulation
Former Pro Ola Jordan Breaks Silence
A Shock That Could Change Strictly Forever