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How Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Jones was ALWAYS on the back foot as she crashes out of show - with expert claiming BBC 'penalised' the pro with string of 'tough' challenges

Katya Jones and partner Lewis Cope were eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2025 in a shock dance-off during Musicals Week, despite earning the show's first perfect score earlier.​

Tough challenges faced

Experts and fans point to Katya receiving a string of demanding routines, including a high-pressure salsa and Charleston, while performing in the "death slot" first, which judges often score lower. PR specialist Mayah Riaz told media that BBC producers "penalised" her with these tough assignments, putting the pair constantly on the back foot against celebrities with prior dance experience like Amber Davies.​

Emotional aftermath

Katya broke down on It Takes Two, blaming herself and saying they faced expectations for "perfect show-stopping" dances weekly, leaving viewers concerned for her well-being. Despite two perfect 40s—the only pro to achieve that this series without reaching semis—she needs "time to heal" per her social media post.​

Viewers expressed widespread shock and heartbreak over Katya Jones's elimination from Strictly Come Dancing 2025, with many calling it the "most unfair" or a potential "fix."​

Emotional outpouring

Fans flooded social media after the Musicals Week dance-off, describing Katya's tears on It Takes Two as "heartbreaking" and saying they wanted to "hug her through the screen." Comments highlighted her distress, with one noting she'd "been crying all weekend" and others labeling it a "tough watch."​

Anger at judges and producers

Outrage targeted the decision to save Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin despite Katya and Lewis Cope's perfect scores, with viewers questioning tough routines like salsa and Charleston in the "death slot." Some accused BBC producers of "penalizing" her with challenging dances, fueling fix claims amid her history of strong partnerships.​

Key Details of the Exit and Expert Claims

Lewis Cope's Strong Performance: Cope, known for his role in Emmerdale, was a favourite to win the competition and had achieved the series' first perfect score of 40 during Halloween week. He also topped the leaderboard the week prior to his elimination.

The Elimination: The couple found themselves in the dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin. The judges' decision to save Davies, despite Cope's consistent high scores, sparked outrage among fans who felt he was "robbed".

Katya's Reaction: Jones became visibly emotional on the companion show It Takes Two, tearfully blaming herself for the premature exit and questioning if she could have done things differently. Cope reassured her, stating she "did everything perfectly".

Expert Analysis: PR expert Mayah Riaz observed that Katya seems to "go in every season already on the back foot". Riaz suggested that Lewis was a "victim of perception rather than performance".

Pressure and Expectations: Jones herself commented on the immense pressure they faced, feeling "expected to deliver this almost perfect show-stopping routine every single Saturday".