Strictly Come Dancing’s iconic Movie Week took place last night and saw Emmerdale star Lewis Cope land the first 10 of the series, but he’s already attracted controversy
Strictly Come Dancing’s Lewis Cope slams pro dancer accusations after landing the first 10 of the series. The actor has hit back at claims that he already has professional dance experience, having earned some of the highest scores in the series.
Lewis has continued to wow judges and viewers at home with his impressive dancing skills, but has now set the record straight.
The BBC has been accused of fixing allegations ever since Lewis’s past dance experience came to light. The actor has been dancing since he was 10 years old and competed in a dancing world championship final three times.
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This Saturday night saw him top the leaderboard with his Paso Doble alongside his partner Katya Jones. They managed to score the first 10 of the series from judge Motsi Mabuse.
Lewis has now spoken out, saying he doesn’t know where the professional claims came from. Speaking to Metro, he said: “I don’t really know where all that came from, to be honest.
“I trained as an actor, I danced a bit when I was a teen, but haven’t since. It’s only ever really been acting for me for a long, long time – so I don’t really know where that came from. I don’t really take notice of it, though – everyone’s so strong, and anyone can pull out a brilliant performance at any point.
“To call me professionally trained or a professional dancer seems a bit bizarre, especially now that I’m working with these pros on the show. It’s kind of an insult to them, really, to suggest I’m on their level when they’ve dedicated their lives to becoming as brilliant as they are.”
Lewis was in the dance group Ruff Diamond for eight years, and during this time, they were runners-up in Sky TV’s Got to Dance competition. The star was just 18 at the time he performed in front of Ashley Banjo, Kimberly Wyatt and Aston Merrygold.
The group went on to appear on Children in Need, and they were twice voted as UK Hip Hop Champions. They represented the UK at the 2013 World Hip Hop Dance Championships. Lewis decided to leave the group when he was 20 in 2015, which is when he went to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Strictly fans have been taking to social media during the series to discuss Lewis’ experience. One wrote: “Another Billy Elliot ex-pro dancer. tut tut.”
A second said: “I need lewis to stop pretending he’s not a trained dancer,” while another added: “Just give lewis the trophy now. He looks the part without seeing him move.”
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Source: Mirror
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