Fans of 'Strictly Come Dancing' Outraged by Latest Elimination on the Show

It was the quarter-final no one saw coming — and one that's left "Strictly Come Dancing" fans across the country reeling in disbelief.

On Saturday night, 6 December, the ballroom lights shone brightly as five remaining couples gave it their all in hopes of clinching a coveted spot in the semi-final. But Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, once considered front-runners, were sent home in a result viewers are branding an "absolute travesty."

'More Than I Could Have Ever Wished For': Lewis Bows Out With Grace

Despite the crushing blow, Cope, the "Emmerdale" star, remained gracious in defeat, emotionally reflecting on his journey. "It's been like, you know, more than I could have ever wished for," he began, admitting he never thought he'd last 11 weeks on the show:

"If someone had've said that I'd have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I'd have been over the moon and I'd have snapped their hand off."

Cope praised "Strictly" for creating a space where contestants could be free, grow, and learn, calling it "a memory that I'll have for the rest of my life."

Turning to Jones, his voice wavered with emotion:

"And I think it's all down to you. You've literally give me absolutely everything I could have wished for. I couldn't imagine it with anybody else. So, thank you very much."

Katya Chokes Back Tears as She Declares: 'You Will Be Remembered'

When host Tess Daly turned to Jones for her final thoughts, the pro dancer didn't hold back:

"You have created so many moments for 'Strictly Come Dancing' that will be in history books. [...] You will be remembered, not just as one, if not the best male celebrity we have ever had on the show, but also [...] for an incredible person you are."

Fighting back tears, Jones praised Cope's humility, saying she was glad the world got to see his talent what a "beautiful person" he is.

'Strictly Has Lost Its Sparkle': Fans Left Furious Over the Elimination

While Cope and Jones took their exit with poise, outraged fans took to social media to express their devastation.

"I've been a Strictly fan since day 1 and honestly think this is the biggest shock/worst result I've ever seen 😢," one user wrote. "When I read the results this morning I've been in total shock ALL DAY 😰😰😰," another echoed.

A third was even more blunt, writing, "Utterly shocked and so dismayed with the whole series now. He was the best dancer!! How could he be in the dance off? How on earth did that happen!! Lost interest now!"

Another fan went further, questioning the entire voting structure, "I hate to say it but the public needs to have less of a say in the voting. Lewis was the best dancer the show has had in years. [...] An utterly disgraceful result."

'Katya Crying Broke Me': Judges Deliver Mixed Reviews Amid Final Dance-Off

Saturday's performance saw Cope and Jones tie with two other couples — George and Alexis, and Balvinder and Julian — all earning a score of 35. But their final routine failed to secure a unanimous nod from the judges.

Shirley Ballas remarked, "It wasn't your best dance, for me, by far," while Craig Revel Horwood agreed, adding, "We have seen you dance better."

In contrast, Anton Du Beke was more generous, telling Cope he had "incredible physicality," and adding, "All in all... I rather liked it."

Still, it wasn't enough to keep them safe. Cope and Jones landed in the bottom two, forced to face off against Amber and Nikita in the dance off — where the judges chose to save the latter.

Following their performance, Cope was faintly heard apologising to Jones, a moment that left many viewers heartbroken.

"Katya crying broke me. Love her to bits. What a travesty to be facing a final without your best couple who have brought some of the most memorable routines and moments to this series. The show just lost its sparkle," one fan lamented.

Loved Ones and New Hope: Girlfriend Rachel Lopez Weighs In

Following the show, Cope's girlfriend Rachel Lopez left a heartfelt comment under a performance clip:

"I am so beyond proud of you. Your strength is like nothing I have ever see. So beautiful inside and out. [sic]"

With just a few couples remaining, fans are now rallying behind former English footballer Karen Carney as their next best hope for the glitterball trophy — a spot once many believed would be Cope and Jones's.