Strictly Come Dancing legend ‘really sad’ over show decision ‘it’s such a shame’

A former Strictly Come Dancing star has shared his thoughts on Lewis Cope’s shock exit and revealed who he thinks will lift the Glitterball trophy next weekend

A Strictly Come Dancing legend has spoken out on Lewis Cope’s shock exit

A former Strictly Come Dancing pro has shared his thoughts on Lewis Cope’s shock exit from the BBC One competition.

The ex-Emmerdale actor and his dance partner Katya Jones were favourites to win the 2025 series but the judges decided to save Amber Davies and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin when both couples found themselves in the dreaded dance-off on Sunday (December 7) night.

Dancer and choreographer Ian Waite took part in seven series of Strictly from 2004 until 2009 and reached the final twice with celebrity partners Denise Lewis and Zoe Ball. He later went on to regularly appear on spin-off show It Takes Two before stepping down from his role in 2021.

Ian Waite took part in seven series of Strictly from 2004 until 2009 and reached the final twice(Image: Instagram)

Addressing the latest unexpected Strictly result on behalf of Zingo Bingo, Ian told Reach: “I can’t believe it really, it’s such a shame. 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.”

Amber and Nikita will take on Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu and George Clarke and Alexis Warr in the semi-final this weekend (December 13).

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones lost the dance-off to Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

With just four couples remaining and only three able to make it through to the grand finale on December 20, Ian went on to share who he thinks could be crowned winner.

Sharing 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.

Ian believes George Clarke and Alexis Warr could win Strictly 2025(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

“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.”