By Jamie Roberts,Karen Price,Susan Knox
Copyright walesonline
BBC Strictly Come Dancing has made its grand return with the beloved theme tune marking the beginning of the 2025 series – yet the programme finds itself embroiled in controversy over allegations of unfair advantage. This year’s star-studded cast features Dani Dyer , Vicky Pattison, Ellie Goldstein, Stefan Denni s, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Balvinder Sopal, all already shimmering in sequinned outfits for the pre-taped launch episode. However, whilst viewers excitedly anticipated the pairing announcements, along with a special routine from pop sensation Jessie J, who recently disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis, one contestant’s dancing background has emerged. Emmerdale star Lewis Cope’s talents extend beyond acting, as the performer boasts considerable dance training. Reports have surfaced that the soap actor has been dancing since he was 10 years old and previously performed in a Billy Elliot stage production. His professional background has sparked debate amongst viewers on social media. “Another Billy Elliot ex-pro dancer. tut tut,” one Twitter /X user complained, reports the Mirror . “Just give lewis the trophy now. He looks the part without seeing him move,” commented another. A third added: “I need lewis tostop pretending he’s not a trained dancer.” Ahead of the show’s premiere, professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin couldn’t contain his excitement, taking to social media with a vibrant photo and the caption: “Pink to make you wink. WE’RE BACK TONIGHT so so excited to be part of the best show on telly and even more excited for all of you to see the launch show tonight! All the pairings will be very official soon xx who’s gonna join in and watch? STRICTLY IS BACK BABY.” Meanwhile, backstage, Amy Dowden had a touching encounter with Jessie J. Amy, who has faced her own battle with breast cancer, shared an emotional selfie with Jessie J, captioning it: “So amazing to meet @jessiej, a fellow breast cancer sister, but foremost an icon and mama. “The moment we greeted each other, everything else just faded away, leaving us two women exchanging our experiences and empathising with the incredible joys and heartbreaking challenges we’ve encountered. Thank you for the wonderful conversation and the photo, sending you love and fortitude as you continue your recovery journey, and may you keep shining at what you do best.” Earlier on, Ellie Leach, the 2023 champion, sent her best wishes to the new contestants, reflecting on her own time with Vito Coppola. Her message read: “Happy Strictly day to all who celebrate. Wishing lots of luck and love to everyone taking part this year, I’ll be watching in my pjs from my sofa every Saturday, I won’t be envious of the Saturday night nerves.” Adding a touch of humour to the mix, 48 year old comedian Chris McCausland threw down a light-hearted gauntlet to the 2025 hopefuls. While filming at Elstree Studios alongside his partner Dianne Buswell, he brandished the Glitterball trophy and proclaimed: “I’ve decided I’m not giving this back. No, I worked too hard for this I earned it fair and square! So do you know what? Class of 2025, enjoy dancing for nothing.” Strictly Come Dancing in on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
