Strictly Come Dancing favourite applauds Katya’s ‘clever’ move with Lewis

EXCLUSIVE – Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones is partnered with actor Lewis Cope

A former Strictly Come Dancing favourite has heaped praise on professional dancer Katya Jones for her ‘clever’ approach with celebrity partner Lewis Cope.

Debbie McGee, 66, reached the final of Strictly in 2017 and claimed victory in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special two years later.

This year’s Strictly launched last month with Katya, 36, paired alongside former Emmerdale star Lewis, 30.

The performer brings considerable dance background to the floor, having featured in the hit musical Billy Elliot, allegedly representing Britain at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships with his group back in 2013, and even gracing Got To Dance where he secured second place with hip-hop collective Ruff Diamond.

Yet despite consistently wowing audiences with his moves throughout the series, Lewis and Katya have faced rigorous scrutiny from the judging panel, who haven’t held back with their feedback, reports Wales Online.

Only last week, after delivering their Viennese Waltz to Lose Control by Teddy Swims, head judge Shirley Ballas declared the performance “too aggressive” whilst Anton Du Beke called for greater “refinement”.

Speaking exclusively on behalf of WhichBingo, Debbie reflected on Lewis and Katya’s progress in the contest thus far.

Debbie explained: “I think the complication bit was more the choreography, which I don’t think is Lewis’ fault, and I think that’s what they meant, actually, but they were telling him they don’t need to see all these acrobatic things that he can do, which are phenomenal.

“They want to see him dancing, and I agree with the judges. I agree, because he can dance, so let’s see that, you know.

“I think that Katya is very clever, that she knows it’s the first few weeks… so she’s showing off his ability, which is what she said, and then she’ll move on and show more ability that he’s capable of.”

Debbie chimed in: “For me, it’s just what makes the programme so interesting!”.

This weekend, Lewis and Katya are set to perform the Paso Doble to tunes from the much-loved film The Mask of Zorro as part of the show’s Movie Week.

This follows Amy Dowden and her celebrity dance partner Thomas Skinner being the first pair to be booted off the BBC One dance show last weekend.

Ex-Apprentice star Thomas, 34, and Amy, 35, were outdanced in Sunday’s dance-off by former England rugby ace Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova, with both duos reprising their Saturday night routines for a second time.