Strictly Come Dancing fans are reeling after professional dancer Katya Jones broke down in floods of tears, finally opening up about the heartbreaking truth behind her explosive partnership with Emmerdale star Lewis Cope. In an emotional confession on *It Takes Two*, the devastated pro wiped away tears as she admitted the “unfair” pressure that ultimately tore their dream run apart – revealing how producers’ relentless expectations and a shock dance-off felt like a cruel ultimatum just minutes before the live show.
The pair, who had been frontrunners throughout the 2025 series, were sensationally eliminated in the quarter-finals during Musicals Week on December 7, despite scoring two perfect 40s earlier in the competition. Fans were left stunned when Lewis and Katya found themselves in the bottom two against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin – a dance-off that head judge Shirley Ballas later described
In her raw interview alongside Lewis on December 8, Katya, visibly distraught, blamed herself for their exit. “Looking back, I can’t help but think maybe I could have done things differently to make it work for him better,” she sobbed, fighting back tears. “We were in a tough position. I feel like we were expected to deliver this almost perfect, show-stopping routine every single Saturday, which you did. I don’t know how, but you did.”
Lewis, ever the gentleman, interjected: “Because of you.” But Katya continued, revealing the immense pressure: “A lot of my life I was told, ‘Less Katya, less, stop.’ But finally, I just needed the right dance partner to match that energy.” Fans hailed this as the “cruel secret” – the unspoken ultimatum from producers to constantly outperform, week after week, leaving no room for error in a series where standards were sky-high.
The heartbreak didn’t stop there. Katya shared how Lewis’s daily 6am texts – “Morning mush, let’s do it, we’ve got this” – were her motivation, but the shock elimination shattered their bond on the dancefloor. “My heart is broken and it will take some time to heal,” she posted on Instagram shortly after, calling Lewis “magnificent” and “the BEST male contestant that has ever graced the Strictly dance floor.”
Their journey had been nothing short of magical. Lewis, a late replacement for Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn who withdrew due to medical reasons, quickly became a fan favorite. With a background in Billy Elliot the Musical and hip-hop crew Ruff Diamond (runners-up on Got to Dance in 2013), he wowed from week one. Their Couple’s Choice to Radiohead’s “Creep” during Halloween Week earned the series’ first perfect 40, with judges in awe – Anton Du Beke declaring there was “nothing you could have done to make that dance better.”
They followed up with another 40 for their Charleston, topping the leaderboard multiple times, including winning the Instant Dance challenge. Shirley Ballas tearfully thanked Lewis’s family for “the gift that is Lewis,” while Motsi Mabuse called performances “out of this world.” Off the floor, their chemistry was electric – no Strictly curse drama here, as Lewis’s long-term girlfriend Rachel Maya Lopez publicly supported them.
But whispers of tension emerged. Some fans accused Katya of “signaling” moves during the banned-communication Instant Dance, sparking brief “cheating” rumors (quickly dismissed). Others pointed to the “death slot” – performing first on Musicals Week, historically disadvantageous as judges save high scores for later. Their Salsa to “Dance at the Gym” from West Side Story received criticism for mistakes, landing them in the dance-off despite Amber and Nikita’s perfect Charleston.
The judges unanimously saved Amber, leaving Katya and Lewis shell-shocked. “It hurts, and it’ll take a bit of time to get over,” Lewis admitted on *It Takes Two*. Yet he focused on positives: “You’ve made me fall in love with dance… and with life again.” Katya, proud of their “graft,” said they stayed true to themselves.
Fans erupted, calling the exit a “fix” and “cruel.” “Heartbreaking to see Katya so distraught,” one tweeted. “She puts her heart and soul into this show.” Many demanded the BBC perform their planned Argentine Tango anyway. Outrage grew over the “unfair” producer pressure on top couples, with analysts noting Lewis’s prior experience shifted public perception – voting for “journeys” over pure talent.
This elimination echoed Strictly’s transitional turmoil. Amid ongoing scandals – from past bullying claims to drug allegations and arrests – the show faces uncertainty, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departing after 2025. Yet Katya and Lewis’s story stands out for its purity: mutual respect, no romance rumors, just raw talent and emotion.
Post-exit, they’ve reunited – smiling at events and confirming Lewis’s spot on the 2026 Live Tour. Katya’s tribute: “We didn’t need the trophy… you are one of a kind.” Lewis called her his “hero.”
In a year of Strictly drama, this partnership reminded fans why they love the show: magic under the lights, heartbreak when they go dark. As one viewer said: “Lewis and Katya were robbed – but their legacy lives on.”