Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope has hit back at criticism regarding his appearance in the competition.
As the stars begin rehearsing for Icons Week, the competition is gearing up. Last weekend saw Chris Robshaw become the latest celebrity to say goodbye to the dance floor.
Actor Lewis Cope was a late addition to the line-up. But immediately there was backlash about whether or not he should have been allowed on the show. And now, he has had his say.
Lewis Cope addresses criticism
As soon as he was announced as part of the line-up, Strictly was hit with ‘fix’ claims. This was due to the fact that Lewis has some dancing background.
Lewis has been partnered with Katya Jones, and has been the target of backlash.
When he was 11 years old, Lewis starred in Billy Elliot in the West End. And some think that means he has an unfair advantage in the competition.
At the time of his Strictly announcement some fans took to X to complain.
One wrote: “Lewis Cope cardinal sin, admitting his dance background in his intro video.”
“Lewis showing his many dancing years already. Clearly miles better already. Won’t let him win, though,” said another.
And even after the first week, some fans still weren’t happy that Lewis has a dance background. Fans have also said the same thing about Amber Davies.
Lewis hits back at the claims
Now that he’s a few weeks in, Lewis has reflected on the criticism, which he doesn’t think is actually very fair.
Lewis featured on the cover of OK! Magazine alongside Katya, and he was asked directly about the complaints.
The 30 year old told them: “It’s strange to hear that I am some kind of ‘professional dancer’. It has been so long since I danced. And I never trained professionally.”
Giving context to what background he has, Lewis admitted he did Billy Elliot: The Musical. But as he “wasn’t good enough” to be the lead, he played Michael and “just did some tap dance”.
After that, he was in a hip-hop dance crew where he and five others competed in “amateur competitions”.
But since then, he hasn’t done any dancing. And none of his experience was in ballroom – and he was never professionally trained.
He explained: “I went on to train to be an actor and I have only ever acted since. This is the first time I have been in a dance studio for 12 years.”
But now that he is dancing again, Lewis feels like it’s an “insult” to call him a professional.
He admitted: “Now that I am working with people who are pro dancers, like Katya, it feels like a bit of an insult to those guys. They have dedicated their lives to this and are incredible.”
Read more: Real reason Motsi Mabuse gave Lewis Cope a 10 ‘revealed’ following intense backlash
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