“EXCLUSIVE – Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones teams up with actor Lewis Cope”
A former Strictly Come Dancing favourite has praised professional dancer Katya Jones for her ‘clever’ approach with celebrity partner Lewis Cope.
Debbie McGee, 66, reached the Strictly final in 2017 and went on to win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special two years later.
This year, the competition kicked off last month with Katya, 36, paired with former Emmerdale star Lewis, 30.
Lewis brings an impressive dance background to the floor, having performed in the hit musical Billy Elliot, reportedly represented Britain at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships in 2013 with his group, and appeared on Got To Dance, where he and hip-hop crew Ruff Diamond earned second place.
Despite consistently impressing audiences, Lewis and Katya have faced scrutiny from the judges, who haven’t held back with their feedback, according to Wales Online.
Just last week, after performing a Viennese Waltz to Lose Control by Teddy Swims, head judge Shirley Ballas described the routine as “too aggressive,” while Anton Du Beke called for greater “refinement.”
Speaking exclusively to WhichBingo, Debbie shared her thoughts on Lewis and Katya’s progress.
She said:
“I think the tricky part was more the choreography, which isn’t really Lewis’ fault. That’s what the judges meant—they were saying they don’t need to see all the acrobatic moves he can do, which are phenomenal. They want to see him dance, and I agree with them. He can dance, so let’s see that.”
“I also think Katya is very clever. She knows it’s only the first few weeks, so she’s showcasing his abilities first, which is what she said, and then later she’ll reveal more of what he’s truly capable of.”
Debbie added: “For me, that’s exactly what makes the show so fascinating!”
This weekend, Lewis and Katya are scheduled to perform the Paso Doble, set to music from the beloved film The Mask of Zorro, as part of Movie Week on the show.
Last weekend saw Amy Dowden and her celebrity partner Thomas Skinner become the first couple eliminated from the BBC One dance competition.
Ex-Apprentice star Thomas, 34, and Amy, 35, lost the Sunday dance-off to former England rugby player Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova, with both couples repeating their Saturday night routines for the judges.
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