Strictly Come Dancing is back – along with the predictable claims that this year’s show is fixed and, this year, it’s actor Lewis Cope who stunned the fans by revealing his years of dancing experience.

Viewers complaining the dancing competition is fixed is as part of the show as Claudia’s fringe, Shirley’s creative scores and the glitterball trophy itself.

Past contestants have often been criticised for having too much dancing experience under their belts.

And Lewis – who’s partnered with Katya Jones – is this year’s target of complaints.

Lewis Cope was a child star

In tonight’s launch show, Lewis revealed he starred in Billy Elliot in the West End when he was 11. Could the revelation that he’s been dancing for years harm his ambition to lift the glitterball trophy?

Lewis was a late addition to this year’s line-up after actor Kristian Nairn was forced to withdraw for health reasons.

Fans were thrilled with the newcomer and they were even more excited that Lewis was paired with Katya Jones, tipping them for success in this year’s competition.

“I am so confident that Lewis & Katya will win,” said one fan.

KATYA AND LEWIS MY TEAM #strictly pic.twitter.com/s2cdVXT4pl

— chloe (@katyajcnes) September 20, 2025

I am so confident that Lewis & Katya will win #Strictly pic.twitter.com/9UyQfhXQFv

— Laura (@LauraM01234) September 20, 2025

Strictly Come Dancing fans complain about Lewis Cope

But it wasn’t long before the complaints about Lewis’s dancing background began to emerge.

But some viewers were worried that Lewis being open about his experience might harm his chances to win.

“Cardinal sin,” said one fan. While another said he “won’t win it though, as public won’t let him.”

Lewis Cope cardinal sin, admitting his dance background in his intro video.#Strictly

— Jimmy Kimmel (@PeterPontif) September 20, 2025

 

Lewis showing his many dancing year’s already, clearly miles better already. Won’t win it though , as public won’t let him #Strictly

— chris (@BHACG) September 20, 2025

 

Another Strictly star, Layton Williams, had also starred in Billy Elliot as a child. When he took part in Strictly in 2023, fans complained that his dancing experience also made the competition unfair.

But some cynical viewers thought Lewis might get away without suffering as much criticism as Layton.

“Wonder if Lewis will get the hate Layton did,” mused one fan.

But after the group dance showed off Lewis’s skills, the talk on social media was mostly about looking forward to Lewis and Katya’s jive next week.

We can’t wait to see it!