Strictly fans are still reeling from one of the most controversial eliminations in the show’s history — and now, a devastated Katya Jones has broken down in tears, admitting she blames herself for Lewis Cope’s heartbreaking exit.
Appearing on Monday night’s It Takes Two, the 36-year-old professional dancer struggled to hold back emotion as she reflected on the result that left the nation stunned.
“Looking back, I can’t help but think I could’ve done things differently to make it better for him,” Katya said through tears.
“He can only do what I ask him to do — and he did everything.”
Beside her, Lewis gently wrapped an arm around her and whispered back:
“Because of you.”
A moment that left the studio — and thousands of viewers at home — in floods of tears.
Strictly’s Katya Jones broke down on Monday’s It Takes Two as she admitted she blames herself for her and Lewis Cope’s elimination – after fans fumed over his exit
Fans were stunned to see the Billy Elliot actor leave the competition on Sunday and raged his axe was the ‘biggest robbery in show history’
“The Biggest Robbery in Strictly History”
Sunday night’s result sent shockwaves through the Strictly fandom.
Lewis Cope — tipped by many to WIN the entire competition — landed in the dreaded dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, despite sitting near the top of the leaderboard for weeks.
Fans immediately exploded online, branding the result:
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“The biggest robbery in Strictly history”
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“Final-worthy talent sent home too soon”
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“Katya deserved a win this year”
Many simply couldn’t believe they’d just watched one of the most consistent performers leave the competition.
The Dance-Off That Changed Everything
For Musicals Week, both couples delivered powerhouse routines:
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Amber & Nikita: Charleston to Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat
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Lewis & Katya: Salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story
Judge Shirley Ballas admitted she was:
“Speechless. Absolutely speechless.”
But it was Motsi Mabuse’s casting vote that sealed Lewis and Katya’s fate — sending Amber and Nikita through to the semi-finals.
And just like that… one of Strictly’s most loved partnerships was over.
“I Don’t Know How You Did It… But You Did.”
On It Takes Two, Katya’s emotions poured out as she addressed Lewis directly:
“We were expected to deliver these almost-perfect, show-stopping routines every single Saturday… and you did.
I don’t know how you did it — but you did.”
Lewis, clearly emotional, replied:
“It’s because of you.”
Lewis’ Final Words Left the Studio in Silence
Asked by host Tess Daly about his journey, Lewis delivered one of the most heartfelt speeches the show has seen:
“It’s been more than I could have ever wished for.
If someone had told me I’d last 11 weeks at the start, I’d have snapped their hand off.”
He continued:
“This show gives people a space to grow, to learn, to express themselves.
And Katya — you’ve given me absolutely everything as a friend and as a teacher.
I couldn’t imagine this with anybody else.”
Katya then paid tribute in return:
“You will be remembered as one of — if not the best — male celebrity dancers we’ve ever had on this show.
But more than that, you’ll be remembered for being an incredible human being.”
“Young Boys Started Dancing Because of You”
Lewis revealed the impact his journey had beyond the ballroom:
“Four generations of my family have been watching every Saturday — my Nana just smiling the whole time.”
And the moment that truly moved viewers:
“We’ve had young boys who thought dancing wasn’t for them… and now they’re sending us videos of themselves dancing.”
“If you change even one person’s life — that’s enough.”
A Partnership Fans Will Never Forget
From movie-worthy routines to raw, emotional honesty, Lewis and Katya’s partnership became one of the most loved in recent Strictly history.
And even as their glitterball dream ends, fans are united in one belief:
This wasn’t just an exit.
It was the loss of something truly special.
