Katya Jones was left in floods of tears on Monday night’s It Takes Two as she emotionally admitted she blames herself for the shock elimination of her and dance partner Lewis Cope — after viewers erupted in fury over what many branded the “biggest robbery in Strictly history.”
Strictly fans were left stunned on Sunday as the Billy Elliot star was sent packing, with thousands raging online that his exit was deeply unfair. The Emmerdale actor, 30, and professional partner Katya, 36, had been widely tipped to lift the glitterball trophy, sitting near the top of the leaderboard for most of the series.
So it came as a huge shock when viewers watched Lewis land in the dreaded dance-off against Amber Davies, 29, and her partner Nikita Kuzmin, 27.
Appearing visibly emotional on It Takes Two, Katya struggled to hold back tears as she reflected on the devastating night.
Breaking down, she confessed:
“Looking back, I can’t help but think I could have done things differently to make things better for him. He can only do what I’ve asked him to do — and he didn’t just do that this time.”
She continued through tears:
“We were in such a tough position, expected to deliver these almost-perfect, show-stopping routines every single Saturday… and you did. Every time. I don’t know how you did it — but you did.”
Lewis immediately wrapped an arm around her and sweetly reassured her:
“Because of you.”
Despite both couples scoring highly during Musicals Week, Lewis and Amber were forced to perform again in the dance-off to fight for a place in the semi-final.
Amber and Nikita performed their Charleston to Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat from Guys and Dolls, while Lewis and Katya delivered their Salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story.
Judge Shirley Ballas admitted the decision left her stunned, saying:
“I’m speechless. Absolutely speechless. You have to dance for your place in the semi-final. We are all so in awe of you.”
With the judges split, Motsi Mabuse cast the deciding vote — choosing to send Amber and Nikita through, after the other three judges backed the former Love Island star.
The result triggered an explosion of outrage online, with many fans convinced Lewis was destined to win.
Viewers wrote on X:
“I’m heartbroken for Katya — I truly thought she’d win this year.”
“I can’t believe we’ll never see another Lewis and Katya dance. I’m devastated.”
“Lewis was clearly final-worthy. Such a shame.”
“So gutted. Lewis didn’t deserve to go this early.”
Addressing his Strictly journey, Lewis said:
“It’s been more than I could ever have wished for. If someone told me at the start I’d get 11 weeks, I’d have snapped their hand off.”
He added emotionally:
“Thank you to the whole show for creating a space where people can grow, learn and be themselves. And to Katya — it’s all down to you. You’ve given me everything as a friend and teacher. I couldn’t have imagined this with anyone else.”
Katya then praised Lewis in moving scenes, telling him:
“You’ve created so many moments that will go down in Strictly history. You’ll be remembered as one of the best male celebrities this show has ever had — and more than that, for the beautiful person you are.”
She continued:
“Kind and genuine people still exist. You’re such a gentleman, so humble, so kind. I’m so grateful the world got to see your talent.”
Reflecting on the wider impact of the experience, Lewis said:
“What is life without people? This show has brought four generations of my family together every Saturday night — my Nana Dot smiling away. And young boys who never thought dancing was for them are now sending us videos. If you can change just one life, that’s enough.”
Source:
Adapted from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/