Strictly Come Dancing's Lewis Cope described as 'forgettable' by ex pro despite past dance training
Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole has waded into the row about Lewis' past dance experienceStrictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope has been deemed “forgettable” by former show pro Brendan Cole – despite his years of dance training.
Lewis, 30, and his professional partner Katya Jones, 36, performed a Viennese Waltz last weekend to Teddy Swims’ Loose Control.
The Emmerdale actor, who has come under fire for his previous dance experience, was cheered on in the audience by his proud brother.
Lewis and Katya sailed up the leaderboard, finishing in second place behind West End star Amber Davies and her pro, Nikita Kuzmin. But former Strictly Come Dancing star, Brendan, was unimpressed with Lewis’ routine.
Strictly Come Dancing: Lewis Cope’s Viennese Waltz
Speaking to TVGuide in connection with Sky Vegas, Brendan said: “With Mr Cope, I remember watching his performance and thinking, ‘It was fine, but a bit forgettable’. It felt like there was a lot missing. The judges said he was, ‘All power, no finesse’ and that was a fair assessment.”
He continued: “The thing is, I watched it and thought, ‘That was pretty good’, but after a couple of days, I couldn’t remember exactly what dance it was meant to be. I couldn’t remember if it was a Viennese Waltz, Paso Doble or a Tango – a bit of everything but not clear enough to be remembered as one particular dance.”
Brendan said Lewis’ simple black costume didn’t help, adding: “That’s where you lose those standout moments”. He concluded: “He could have delivered a truly stunning Viennese waltz – something memorable, elegant, and classic – but instead, it looked like something else entirely, even though it was technically a Viennese Waltz.”
Lewis Cope’s previous dance experience
Lewis has found himself in the spotlight since Strictly Come Dancing 2025 kicked off. Due to his strong dance background, critics have branded it “unfair” that he is allowed on the show. Some fans even accused Lewis of being a “show off” following his Viennese Waltz last weekend.
The actor previously starred in the dance troupe Ruff Diamond. The group was so good they were crowned runners-up on Sky’s Got To Dance. They performed in front of Ashley Banjo, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and JLS star Aston Merrigold, too. As a child, Lewis also starred in the West End production of Billy Elliot.
Earlier this week, Lewis was defended by former Strictly pro Vincent Simone over his dance experience. Despite his criticism of Lewis’ Viennese Waltz, Brendan has also backed the actor and his co-star, Amber Davies, 29. She has appeared in a long list of musicals.
‘Strictly caters for everyone’
Brendan said:”I don’t think it’s unfair that the likes of Lewis Cope and Amber Davies are on Strictly with dance experience – the competition caters for everyone.
“The judges have been pretty good at critiquing the stronger contestants, and that’s important. The good ones need detailed feedback, because just being good doesn’t mean you can’t be better. So yes, it’s right that the judges pick up on the small things, especially technique.”
This weekend is Movie Week. Lewis and Katya will be performing a Paso Dobles to The Plaza of Execution from The Mask of Zorro. Other films being tackled in the ballroom include The Barbie Movie and The Great Gatsby.
When is the next episode of Strictly Come Dancing?
Strictly Come Dancing returns at 6.05pm this Saturday October 11, 2025. Viewers will be treated to a special guest mentor on the show – Wicked star Cythia Erivo. The Hollywood star is spending he week in training with the couples and will sit on the judging panel on Saturday night.
You will find out who is going home in Strictly Come Dancing: The Results the following night. The show starts at 7.15pm on Sunday October 12.
Read more: Strictly star Katya Jones defends judges’ comments about Lewis Cope last weekend
Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday – see all schedule details here.
