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Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones and her celebrity partner, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, have been dazzling fans and judges with their sizzling performances in the ballroom. Lewis even became the first celebrity to secure a 10 in this series of Strictly. Back in 2023, Katya was paired with ex-EastEnders actor Nigel Harman. The star said he would fire off late-night texts to his dance partner Katya whilst competing in Strictly Come Dancing. Unfortunately, an injury compelled Nigel to pull out from the competition, reports Wales Online . During his time on the beloved BBC programme, the former Downton Abbey actor revealed his professional partner had become a honorary family member. He admitted to occasionally messaging Katya during the early hours when sleep proved elusive. Nigel said: "Towards the weekend, I always wake up at about two in the morning, in the middle of the dance routine... always on a Friday night", as reported by the Manchester Evening News. "And it's (as) you know, we all wake up in the morning when we're in our REM sleeps and... (after those) four hour-ish cycles, and it's when that happens that I'm deep in the middle of a dance and I can't get back to sleep for about half an hour. "So basically, I lay there dancing through my dance a few times until my body goes, 'Okay. You still remember it, it's okay'. Then I go back to sleep. So that's the thing because really all I wanted to do is sleep for all the time when I'm not dancing." Katya said that Nigel contacted her "a couple of times" seeking comfort about their dance routines, assisting him in getting back to sleep after midnight wake-ups. Nevertheless, Nigel was swift to clarify that he doesn't fret over the judges' marks because "that's their business. I can't influence that. I just dance." The instant chemistry between Nigel and Katya from their initial partnership on Strictly is believed to be the "secret to their success". Speaking on behalf of Betfair Bingo, body language expert Darren Stanton said: "Nigel and Katya never fail to impress the judges, demonstrating their commitment to their partnership. "It's evident that their bond strengthens each week, and it will only continue to grow. They would have to make a significant mistake to fall behind at this stage. It's certain they will make it to the final, and I can envision them taking home the trophy." He added: "Their body language has remained consistent and evolved each week. They mirror each other and maintain intense eye contact - it indicates an instant connection. That's been the key to their success. Whether they're dancing or conversing, it's clear they understand each other thoroughly."
