Drama is brewing on the set of Strictly Come Dancing, and it’s not just the sequins and spins stealing the spotlight! Professional dancer Katya Jones has unleashed a fiery defense of her celebrity partner, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, slamming the judges for what she calls their harsh and unappreciative critiques of their stunning Viennese Waltz. The explosive moment unfolded on the show’s spin-off, It Takes Two, where Katya didn’t hold back, accusing the judges of overlooking Lewis’ hard work and her intricate choreography.
On Saturday’s episode (October 4), Katya and Lewis delivered a breathtaking Viennese Waltz to Teddy Swims’ soulful track Lose Control, earning a respectable score of 27. However, the judges, particularly head judge Shirley Ballas, were quick to point out flaws, calling for more “refinement” and describing the performance as “too aggressive.” These comments didn’t sit well with Katya, who took to It Takes Two to passionately defend her partner and their performance.
“As a professional and a teacher, I would’ve loved for the judges to acknowledge the effort Lewis put in,” Katya declared. “He spent hours and hours mastering every single step of that Viennese Waltz—every fleckerl, pivot, natural, and reverse. He even performed a solo fleckerl before joining me! They were all there, perfectly executed, and I wish the judges had shown some appreciation for that.”
Katya’s frustration was palpable as she emphasized the artistry behind their routine. “Dancing is an art form, an expression,” she said. “We crafted this number to feel right for us, and I stand by it. It was the perfect fit for Lewis and the story we wanted to tell.” Her words resonated with fans who felt the judges’ critiques failed to recognize the emotional depth and technical precision of the performance.
Host Janette Manrara, herself a Strictly veteran, nodded in agreement, noting the immense pressure dancers face to deliver their best. However, she quickly pivoted to lighter topics, revealing that Katya and Lewis are gearing up for an electrifying Paso Doble inspired by The Mask of Zorro for the upcoming Movie Week. This isn’t the first time the swashbuckling film has inspired a Strictly routine—back in 2016, Danny Mac’s Zorro-themed Paso Doble earned a near-perfect 36 points, setting a high bar for Lewis and Katya.
Movie Week promises to bring cinematic flair to the ballroom, with other celebrities like Ross King set to perform a routine inspired by Thunderbirds. But all eyes will be on Lewis, a frontrunner in the competition, whose prior dance experience has sparked controversy among some fans. Lewis, who competed in hip-hop competitions before joining Strictly, isn’t the only contestant with a dance background this season. Love Island star Amber Davies, trained in musical theatre, has also faced scrutiny, with some viewers claiming the judges are harsher on them due to their prior training.
Despite the criticism, Lewis and Katya remain undeterred, ready to ignite the dancefloor with their fiery Paso Doble. Will they silence the skeptics and win over the judges? Or will this behind-the-scenes clash fuel even more drama? One thing’s for sure—this Strictly season is shaping up to be one of the most explosive yet!