Strictly fans appear to spot pro Katya Jones instructing her partner Lewis Cope before the Instant Dance challenge as ‘cheating’ row erupts

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Viewers noticed that professional dancer Katya Jones seemed to be giving her partner, Lewis Cope, instructions right before their performance on Saturday’s episode of the show.

Oh my gosh, it was absolute chaos! They told the couples live on air which of their old dances they had to redo, and it was a mad scramble to find the right costumes! Everyone online was calling it ‘carnage,’ and honestly, that’s the perfect word. I was on the edge of my seat watching it all unfold – it was SO stressful, but amazing!

Celebrities and their dance partners weren’t allowed to talk much, and only had ten seconds to briefly discuss their dance routine right before the music started. The judges’ scores were then added to each couple’s overall total.

Just before their Jive performance, Katya seemed to give Lewis a signal using a quick arm and leg movement. Viewers noticed this right away.

The dancers were instructed to stay separated to prevent any communication, but viewers noticed Katya looking at Lewis while extending her leg – the same pose they finished their dance with.

Someone commented on X (formerly Twitter) that Katya appeared to signal to Lewis during their dance, prompting him to perform a move through her legs – a reference to a similar moment from a previous performance. The commenter believes this was a form of cheating during the quickstep. #StrictlyComeDancing

Okay, let me tell you, I was completely blown away by Balvinder on that instant dance-off! The fact that she came in second with no prior dance experience? Seriously impressive! But honestly, the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s pretty clear Katya and Lewis weren’t playing fair – Katya was definitely giving Lewis signals, and it felt like a clear case of cheating. It really took away from Balvinder’s amazing achievement, and it’s disappointing to see that kind of behavior in a competition.

Katya and Lewis were completely prepared for their final dance, no matter what it was! #Strictly

Honestly, I’m SO frustrated! Everyone keeps saying the pros aren’t supposed to coach the celebs before the ten-second challenge starts, but it’s clearly happening! I saw Katya actually showing Lewis how to do a step on the stairs, and then Nikita and Amber were yelling instructions to each other from across the staircase before Karen even got her turn! It’s totally unfair and definitely breaks the rules! #strictly

Katya was quietly telling Lewis what steps to take while they waited on the stairs. They had to hold off starting until the ten-second countdown finished. #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly.

It appears Katya and Lewis were accused of cheating during a quick dance, based on a TikTok video. #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing

TikTok users spotted Katya appearing to give Lewis a signal while they were waiting on the stairs before their dance. This happened even though host Tess had explained that couples were kept separate to prevent them from discussing their routines beforehand. Many believe this was a form of cheating. #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #strictlyspoiler

As a huge fan, I was so frustrated seeing all the accusations! So many people on X were defending Lewis and Katya, pointing out that the rules never said couples couldn’t communicate on the stairs during the Instant Dance Challenge. It feels like some people are just upset that Lewis is such a fantastic dancer and are trying to bring him down unfairly. It’s really disheartening to see! #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing

Some viewers accused Katya and Lewis of cheating because Katya gave Lewis a signal about the lift while they were on the stairs. However, that move wasn’t actually part of their jive routine – it was just something playful they did at the end. Plus, the rules never prohibited couples from communicating with each other.

I’m so frustrated seeing comments claiming Lewis and Katya are just repeating old moves. That’s exactly what the show is about – revisiting and reimagining past performances!

The BBC has been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment. 

The show’s first-ever Instant Dance challenge had viewers laughing, with many describing it as ‘chaotic’.

The studio audience and judges seemed baffled as things got chaotic – judges were switching seats, and host Claudia Winkleman was even wearing a fruit hat! Viewers loved the silliness and started asking for it to become a regular thing.

People on X are enthusiastically reacting to the “Instant Dance” challenge, describing it as wonderfully chaotic and incredibly fun. Many are calling it “pure chaos” and are hoping it becomes a weekly event, with some using words like “carnage” to express the energetic and lively atmosphere.

After the challenge, the judges awarded Lewis the highest score of six points. Balvinder Sopal received five points, Amber Davies got four, Alex Kingston earned three, George Clarke received two, and Karen Carney finished with one point.

Viewers felt sorry for Alex Kingston earlier in the show after what many considered a weak performance. Then, it seemed she might have been injured, adding to the concern.

The 62-year-old Doctor Who actress seemed upset after stumbling through her disco-themed cha-cha with partner Johannes Radebe, 38, making several errors during the performance.

Okay, so Alex usually kills it, seriously, she’s incredible. But yesterday? Ugh, it was rough. She only got 24 out of 40, which is… not her. She said she was just exhausted, and honestly, I get it, she pushes herself so hard! It was awful seeing her at the bottom, but I know she’ll bounce back. She always does! It just felt so out of character, but I’m totally blaming it on the fatigue, just like she did. She’s still the best, okay?!

Judge Oti Mabuse jokingly warned contestants that she’d be lenient with one or two errors, but wouldn’t tolerate a third, saying ‘I’m not here to give presents!’

I was so moved listening to Alex speak with Claudia. She explained how, when you’re really pushing yourself, no one really talks about the toll it takes on your body. She said that while her 62-year-old self is realizing how much she’s been through, her heart and soul are telling her to ignore it and just keep dancing – she literally put her fingers in her ears to block it out! It was such a beautiful and honest moment.

As a huge fan, I was absolutely heartbroken for Alex after her performance. She seemed really shaken and struggled a bit, but what struck me most was how gracefully she handled the judges’ feedback. Everyone was saying how gutted they were for her, and so many people commented on her resilience – even with mistakes, she kept going! Honestly, I just wanted to reach out and give her a big hug. It was clear she’s a true competitor with amazing sportsmanship.

People watching at home noticed Alex seemed to be limping and were concerned she might have to leave the competition due to an injury.

Alex is limping, and it’s concerning that she’s continuing to dance. It’s obvious she’s injured – she can barely walk without limping! Someone should get her medical attention immediately. Even if she finishes the dance, this could be a serious injury that ends her performance.

Several people expressed concern about Alex, noting she appeared to be limping. They hoped she was okay and wondered what had happened.

Oh my gosh, after Alex absolutely killed it, it was George Clark’s turn! I was on the edge of my seat – especially since he got a perfect 10 last week! He was dancing the quickstep with his amazing partner, Alexis Warr, and honestly, I could barely breathe! It was everything I hoped for and more!

Despite a few errors, the judges – Oti Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke – all complimented the performance, calling it ‘classy’.

Oti was especially impressed with George, calling his performance a clear improvement over his previous ones. The judges gave the routine a score of 34 out of 40 before the semi-finals next week.

Next, Emmerdale actor Lewis and his partner Katya danced a passionate rumba and earned a high score of 36 out of 40.

After four weeks of competing on the dance show, EastEnders star Balvinder found herself in danger of elimination again, as she made several mistakes during her performance.

The soap opera star performed a jive with Julian Caillon. Anton Du Beke thought it was good overall, despite a few errors, and the judges gave it a score of 28 out of 40.

As a lifestyle expert, I always appreciate seeing heartfelt moments, and Karen’s performance with Carol Gu was truly touching. She dedicated it to her amazing mum, who has been her rock throughout her entire football career. It was a beautiful way to show gratitude and celebrate that special bond.

Professional dancer Carlos was overcome with emotion after receiving a perfect score of 40 for their vibrant performance. He jokingly exclaimed that his partner, Karen, enjoys dancing even more than he does!

Finally, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin from Love Island also received perfect scores for their energetic jive.

Oh my gosh, when Shirley said they’d left her speechless, I practically felt it! But then Craig, that sly fox, acted all nonchalant and said, ‘Now for the truth, darling,’ like he knew something we didn’t. And then… the delivery! He just drawled out ‘fab-u-lous!’ It was perfect, absolutely perfect. I replay it in my head constantly!

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2025-11-30 16:12