Amber Davies speaks out after BBC Strictly dance-off controversy amid outrage to Lewis Cope exit: ‘You’re both the greatest!’

Amber Davies has taken to social media with a heartfelt message to Lewis Cope after she bagged a spot in next week’s Strictly semi-finals at his expense.

The Emmerdale actor landed in the dance-off alongside his pro partner Katya Jones after failing to win over the public with his Salsa.

He faced Ms Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, who had brought the house down on Saturday evening with a Charleston that earned them a perfect score of 40 from the judges.

Despite being two of the strongest competitors throughout, the public vote meant they had to dance again, with Mr Cope being sent home by the judges unanimously after the dance-off.

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BBC Strictly: Lewis Cope faced Amber Davies in the dance-off | BBC

The result has sparked widespread fury among the Strictly fandom, with shockwaves rippling through the fanbase as early as last night when the result was leaked online.

With so much support and surprise being aimed towards Mr Cope, Ms Davies took to Instagram to pay tribute to her fellow celebrity contestant.

“I will always be your number 1 fan @lewiscope,” Ms Davies began alongside a snap of her hugging the Emmerdale heartthrob.

She continued: “To go up against one of the greatest dancers Strictly has ever seen was simply terrifying, however I was actually dancing against my best friend in this competition, and that broke my heart.

“Lewis & @katyajones you won this competition as soon as you showed us & the world your couples choice on Halloween week. It was pure perfection just like your partnership.

“Thank you for being mine and @nikita__kuzmin’s champions from day one, that means more to us than anything else.

“You’re both simply the greatest of all time & I love you both immensely,” Ms Davies signed off. (sic)

She also included a series of behind-the-scenes snaps featuring herself, Ms Jones, and Mr Cope.

BBC Strictly: Lewis Cope and Katya Jones were embraced by their co-stars | BBC

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Mr Cope appeared gracious as he bid farewell to the show during Sunday’s results.

“It’s been more than I could have ever wished for,” he told Tess Daly. “If someone would have said that I’d have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I’d have been over the moon and snap their hand off.

“So, thank you to the full show, to everyone for having a space where people can be themselves, grow, learn, express themselves.

“It’s been incredible and a memory that I’ll have for the rest of my life,” he continued before he turned his attention to Ms Jones.

BBC Strictly: Lewis Cope and Katya Jones shared one final dance | BBC

“I think it’s all down to you,” he said to his partner. “You’ve literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher, and yeah, I couldn’t imagine it with anybody else. So, thank you very much.”

Ms Jones reciprocated her partner’s kind words, replying: “I think you have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books and you will be remembered as one of, if not, the best male celebrity we’ve ever had on the show, but also you will be remembered for being an incredible person you are.

“Kind and genuine people still exist – what a gentleman you are, so humble and so kind.

“And I’m so glad that we had a chance to see you and showcase your talent and what a beautiful person you are to the world. Thank you.”

BBC Strictly: Amber Davies had topped the leaderboard

| BBC 

Mr Cope had the final word. “It’s everything, isn’t it?” he said of the support he received during his stint.

“I mean, what is life without people? And this show, I’ve seen how it’s brought people together, not just in my family, but it seems to lift people up.

“And it’s definitely brought my family, four generations, together every Saturday night – my Nana Dot sitting there smiling all the time. You know, young boys who thought that dancing wasn’t accessible for them or whatever.

“They started dancing now and have sent us videos. And you know, if you can change one person’s life like that, then that’s enough.”

Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, and Karen Carney will join Ms Davies in next week’s semi-final.