Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left feeling emotional as they saw Katya Jones without her partner Lewis Cope on the show for the first time

Strictly Katya

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Strictly Come Dancings fans were left concerned as they spotted Katya Jones without Lewis Cope(Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts have been left heartbroken after witnessing professional dancer Katya Jones on her own following the departure of her celebrity partner Lewis Cope the previous week.

Audiences were stunned when the duo faced elimination after the quarter-final stage, with Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin securing their place, whilst Katya devastatingly took responsibility for their exit.

Lewis struggled to win over the panel during musicals week last Saturday with his West Side Story salsa performance to The Dance at the Gym. He found himself in the dance-off against Love Island personality Amber, who – paired with Nikita – achieved a flawless score of 40 for their Charleston routine to the Guys and Dolls number Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.

Strictly's Lewis and Katya

Lewis and Katya were sent home last week in a shock elimination

This week, dejected supporters have been overwhelmed with emotion following Lewis and Katya’s departure, flocking to X, previously Twitter, to express their feelings. One fan posted: “I thought I was over Lewis and Katya being eliminated, but I’m NOT. Mourning the loss of the Argentine tango, I know they would’ve served.”

Another issued a warning to the BBC: “Can we bring Lewis and Katya back to do their Argentine Tango now ….otherwise I’ll be demanding a full refund of my licence fee if we don’t ever get to see it!” A third commented: “Can’t believe we aren’t seeing Lewis and Katya #StrictlyComeDancing.”

One viewer criticised the programme following their favourites’ exit, stating: “Watching #StrictlyComeDancing this week is like watching Wimbledon if Alcaraz went out in the quarter-final.”, reports the Mirror.

Strictly's Lewis and Katya

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Fans have been overwhelmed with emotion following Lewis and Katya’s departure(Image: BBC)

Meanwhile, one viewer has called for the BBC to take drastic action by cancelling the remainder of the series, pleading: “Can we scrap the final a just have Lewis and Katya give us 30 minutes of pure talent and entertainment?”.

Another disheartened fan lamented: “I’ve got #Strictly on but sorry to say it has lost part of its sparkle for me without Lewis and Katya.” A further comment read: “Aw sad seeing Katya without Lewis.”

The pair’s exit from the BBC dance competition last week stirred emotions, with both expressing gratitude for their shared journey. Lewis, 30, reflected on his Strictly experience with Katya, saying: “It’s been incredible and will be a memory for the rest of my life, and I think it’s all down to you, you’ve given me everything as a friend and a teacher.”

Strictly's Katya Jones

Katya broke down in tears on It Takes Two after their exit

An emotional Katya responded: “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.”

Reflecting on the impact of the show on its audience, Lewis added: “What is life without people. I’ve seen how it’s brought people together

“It seems to lift people up. It’s brought my family, four generations, together every Saturday night. Young boys who thought it wasn’t accessible have started dancing. If you’ve changed one person’s like like that then that’s enough.”