Katya Jones’ journey on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing came to a tearful end after she and her celebrity partner, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, were eliminated in Saturday’s tense dance-off.
Despite racking up perfect scores week after week, the duo missed out on a semi-final spot, leaving fans and the professional dancer herself visibly emotional.
Fans Claim Katya Was Unfairly Treated
Many viewers felt the elimination was unfair, arguing that Katya had been “stitched up” by circumstances rather than her skill.
PR expert Mayah Riaz told the Mirror that Katya, 36, has often faced tough odds on the show.
“Katya is one of the strongest and most creative pros on that floor, but she has absolutely been handed some tough partners,” Riaz said.
“It often feels like she starts each season on the back foot.”
The expert added that when Katya is paired with a strong celebrity, like Lewis, the narrative sometimes works against her.
“The optics are not great. Too weak a partner, she’s dismissed.
A strong partner, she’s penalised,” Riaz explained.
Lewis Cope ‘Victim of Perception’
Riaz suggested that Lewis, 30, was “a victim of perception rather than performance.”
His past dance or theatre experience was scrutinised in a way that viewers noticed, leading to a story around him that worked against the pair.
“Once that happens, it’s incredibly hard to fight back. Strictly is still beloved, but moments like this chip away at trust,” she said.
Past Struggles on the Show
Katya has faced challenges before. Last year, her partner opera singer Wynne Evans left the show early and was later dropped from the Strictly tour due to off-stage issues.
These experiences show a pattern of tough luck for the professional dancer, who has been a mainstay on the show since 2016.
Emotional Goodbye on It Takes Two
During Monday’s episode of It Takes Two, Katya opened up about the heartbreak of leaving the competition.
Speaking with Fleur East, she fought back tears as she reflected on the elimination.
“Looking back, I can’t help but think I could have done things differently to make things better for him,” Katya said.
“He did everything I asked, every single time. We were just in such a tough position expected to deliver near-perfect, show-stopping routines each Saturday.”
Lewis comforted her, putting an arm around her and gently saying, “Because of you!” Fans watching at home were quick to share their concern for Katya, worried that this might mark the end of her Strictly journey.
Fans Worry She Might Leave
Social media was flooded with messages expressing sympathy and concern.
One fan wrote, “In her 10 years on this show I’ve never seen Katya this heartbroken, it hurts that she’s blaming herself for Lewis going home.”
Others feared she might quit the show entirely after this season.
Strictly Continues on BBC One
Despite the heartbreak, Strictly Come Dancing continues, with new performances airing every Saturday on BBC One and available to stream on iPlayer.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see who dances their way into the semi-finals next.
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