Katya and Lewis have been wowing their fans (Image: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones and her celebrity partner, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, have been impressing fans and judges with their electrifying performances in the ballroom.

Lewis even became the first celebrity to score a 10 in this series of Strictly. Back in 2023, Katya was paired with former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman.

The star said he would send messages to his dance partner Katya late at night whilst competing on Strictly Come Dancing. Unfortunately, an injury meant Nigel had to pull out of the competition.

During his time on the beloved BBC show, the ex-Downton Abbey actor said his professional partner had effectively become part of his family. He admitted to sometimes messaging Katya during the early hours when he couldn’t sleep.

Nigel explained: “Towards the weekend, I always wake up at about two in the morning, in the middle of the dance routine… always on a Friday night”, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. “And it’s (as) you know, we all wake up in the morning when we’re in our REM sleeps and… (after those) four hour-ish cycles, and it’s when that happens that I’m deep in the middle of a dance and I can’t get back to sleep for about half an hour.”, reports Wales Online.

Nigel and Katya formed a close bond (Image: BBC)

“So basically, I lay there dancing through my dance a few times until my body goes, ‘Okay. You still remember it, it’s okay’. Then I go back to sleep. So that’s the thing because really all I wanted to do is sleep for all the time when I’m not dancing.”

Katya said Nigel has contacted her “a couple of times” seeking reassurance about their routines, helping him drift back to sleep after waking during the night.

However, Nigel was swift to clarify that he doesn’t lose sleep over the judges’ scores because “that’s their business. I can’t influence that. I just dance.”

The instant chemistry between Nigel and Katya from their initial pairing on Strictly is believed to be the “secret to their success”.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Bingo, body language expert Darren Stanton said: “Nigel and Katya never fail to impress the judges, demonstrating their commitment to their partnership.

“It’s evident their bond strengthens each week, and it will only continue to grow. They would have to make a significant mistake to fall behind at this stage. It’s certain they will make it to the final, and I can envision them taking home the trophy.”

He continued: “Their body language has remained consistent and evolved each week. They mirror each other and maintain intense eye contact – it indicates an instant connection.

“That’s been the key to their success. Whether they’re dancing or conversing, it’s clear they understand each other thoroughly.”