Katya Jones's Challenging Path on 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Even before the music stopped, fans could sense it — something wasn't right. Now, with her shocking exit sparking cries of injustice, longtime viewers are asking the question no one at the BBC wants to answer: has one of the show's most talented pros been set up to fail — again?

Katya Jones has officially left the ballroom — but not without igniting a firestorm of backlash, heartbreak, and bold accusations of behind-the-scenes sabotage.

The "Strictly Come Dancing" pro, known for her flawless footwork and fearless choreography, was eliminated alongside actor Lewis Cope in a dramatic dance-off on Saturday, 6 December — and viewers are not taking it lying down.

Fans immediately flooded social media with fury and disbelief, calling the result "a disgrace" and even branding the exit a "fix." But for many loyal Katya supporters, this moment wasn't just about one elimination — it was the culmination of years of what they believe has been a calculated run of bad luck, worse partners, and narratives stacked against her.

'Stitched Up' — Again and Again

Jones and Cope's early exit stunned fans, who had previously pegged them as potential finalists. But even more than the shock, it was the familiarity of it all that left many outraged.

Since joining "Strictly" in 2016, Jones has dazzled — but often under the shadow of chaos. Her 2018 pairing with comedian Seann Walsh exploded into scandal after the two were photographed kissing outside a pub while both were in relationships. The incident dominated headlines, and while both issued apologies, it marked the beginning of a turbulent run for the Russian-born star.

Since then, her partners have included Tony Adams and Nigel Harman, both of whom were forced to exit the show due to injuries. In 2024, she was paired with opera singer Wynne Evans, whose behavior drew ire from viewers after he made explicit remarks about host Janette Manrara and was criticized for how he treated Katya on-screen.

Every year, fans grow louder in their belief that Jones is being set up to fail. And now, experts are weighing in.

Expert: 'The Optics Are Not Great'

PR strategist Mayah Riaz told The Mirror what fans have long suspected: Katya isn't getting a fair shot.

"On Katya, I do think she's had a rough run in recent years," she said. "She is one of the strongest and most creative pros on that floor, but she has absolutely been handed some tough partners. It has started to feel like she goes in every season already on the back foot."

While Riaz stopped short of calling it a full-blown fix, she admitted there's little fairness at play.

"Ironically, the one time she gets a genuinely strong partner again, he is labelled 'too experienced' and punished for it. The optics are not great," she said. "It looks like she can't win either way. Too weak a partner, she's dismissed. A strong partner, she's penalised."

Was It All Set Up to Fail? 'Death Slot' and Public Vote Fury

According to fans, the warning signs were there.

In the latest episode, Katya and Cope were assigned the dreaded "death slot" — performing first, a position long believed to disadvantage contestants with lower scores and weaker public memory. It's a pattern so well known, it even has its own "Strictly" nickname.

And when the pair landed in the bottom two, controversy deepened.

Critics slammed the use of the "Judges' Save," which they say is now being used to override the public vote and protect narratives rather than dancers.

Even Riaz noted that the competition has begun to feel less about dancing and more about narrative control — and audiences are starting to catch up.

'Viewers See That — And They Do Not Like It'

The rules, Riaz argued, are also increasingly inconsistent — particularly around the issue of prior dance experience.

"If previous dance experience is such a problem, then it should be applied across the board," she said. "You cannot ignore theatre and musical training for one contestant and weaponise it against another. Viewers see that — and they do not like it."

As for Lewis Cope's sudden drop in public favor, Riaz said the issue had little to do with talent.

"He was not voted out because he was the weakest," she insisted. "He was voted out because the story around him shifted. And once that happens, it is incredibly hard to fight back."

It appears Riaz's warning was spot on. As previously reported, Cope and Jones 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.