BBC Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'it's a shame' as 'best dancer' told to leave show
EXCLUSIVE: Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Ian Waite says Lewis Cope's "probably the best dancer we've ever had on the show"
The One Show: Lewis Cope reveals how he learned of Strictly call up
A former Strictly Come Dancing professional has revealed his reaction to Lewis Cope's surprising elimination from the BBC One show.
The ex-Emmerdale star and his dance partner Katya Jones were tipped to triumph in the 2025 series, but the judges opted to rescue Amber Davies and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin when both pairs ended up in the feared dance-off on Sunday (December 7) evening.
Dancer and choreographer Ian Waite participated in seven series of Strictly from 2004 to 2009, making it to the final twice with celebrity partners Denise Lewis and Zoe Ball.
He subsequently became a regular fixture on spin-off programme It Takes Two before leaving his position in 2021.
Speaking about the latest surprising Strictly outcome on behalf of Zingo Bingo, Ian told Reach: "I can't believe it really, it's such a shame.
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I'm shocked because he's probably the best dancer we've ever had on the show. Definitely one of the best males we've had on the show.
"It was really sad to see him go because I'm sure he would have performed some amazing dances in the semi-final and final. Those pirouettes, it was ridiculous, and it is a shame. but there you go. That's the public vote for you.", reports Wales Online.
Amber and Nikita will face Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, and George Clarke and Alexis Warr in this weekend's semi-final (December 13)
With only four couples left and just three spots available for the grand finale on December 20, Ian shared his thoughts on who might take home the glitterball trophy.
Offering his prediction, former Strictly finalist Ian said: "I think it could be George. I think people really like him. He's very humble and he seems such a sweet guy. I think he'll definitely have a really huge public vote.
"He's improved as well, especially his performance skills over the weeks. He just seems to have got better and better to the point where he looks quite comfortable out there performing and I don't think he was in the beginning.
"I think Karen's done so well. Her spins are incredible but I feel sometimes that she could control them at the end of the spins a little bit more But for me, she's just an incredible dancer and gives it 100% every time."
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One
