Strictly Come Dancing live: Lewis Cope addresses accusations he’s professional dancer

Katya Jones finally has the partner she deserves

The Strictly professional has had a run of bad luck and scandals on the show – it’s about time she had a partner who could win.

Jacob Stolworthy18 October 2025 11:14

Amy Dowden shares dark horse prediction for 2025 series

Amy Dowden, the professional dancer who was partnered with Thomas Skinner, thinks Karen Carney has a fighting chance at winning this year’s series.

Speaking about potential winners, Dowden told The Independent: “A footballer, who would have thought it? I love the way she’s coming out there and she’s selling these performances.”

Could Karen Carney be this year’s winner? (BBC )

Jacob Stolworthy18 October 2025 10:45

Hollywood star will be on ‘Strictly’ next weekend

Rachel Zegler is bringing her acclaimed West End performance to Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC has confirmed that the actor, who recently concluded her run in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, will appear on the show next weekend for Icons Week.

It will be the first time she has performed on UK television screens.

Jacob Stolworthy18 October 2025 10:17

Thomas Skiner regrets saying yes to ‘Strictly’

Reality TV star Thomas Skinner has revealed regret over taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Apprentice contestant was the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s edition of the BBC One dancing show, and Skinner has now admitted he “never fitted the bill”.

Jacob Stolworthy18 October 2025 10:15

Lewis Cope ‘confused’ by claims he’s trained professional

Emmerdale star Lewis Cope is addressing claims he’s a professionally trained dancer after topping the leaderboard– and receiving the first 10 of the series.

“It’s strange to hear that I’m some kind of ‘professional dancer’. It’s been so long since I danced, and I never trained professionally,” the star told OK.

The actor previously revealed it’s been more than a decade since he last danced.

Lewis Cope and professional partner Katya Jones
Lewis Cope and professional partner Katya Jones (BBC)

Jacob Stolworthy18 October 2025 10:07

Who is dancing what during tonight’s episode?

There is no theme in the next episode – but see below for a sneak peek at what dances to expect:

  • Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola – Couple’s Choice to “Golden” by HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters
  • Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell – Charleston to “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I
  • Karen Carney and Carlos Gu – Quickstep to “Marvellous Party” by Beverley Knight 
  • Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe – Rumba to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
  • La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec – Cha-cha-cha to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benetar
  • Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin – Argentine Tango to “Angel of My Dream” by JADE
  • Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon – Paso doble to “Diablo Rojo” by Rodrigo y Gabriela 
  • Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley –  Couple’s Choice to a medley of soca songs from Trinidad and Tobago 
  • Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer – Rumba to “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette
  • Lewis Cope and Katya Jones –  Foxtrot to “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
  • Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova –  Salsa to “Maria” by Ricky Martin 
  • Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington – Samba to “La Isla Bonita” by Madonna
  • George Clarke and Alexis Warr – Tango to “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay

Jacob Stolworthy18 October 2025 10:00

Stefan Dennis will return to dancefloor after illness

Neighbours star Stefan Dennis will return to Striclty after a week off.

Just 24 hours before last weekend’s episode, the actor was forced to sit out of the show after suffering from vertigo.

Jacob Stolworthy18 October 2025 09:48