Lewis Cope Warned to ‘Watch His Back’ on Strictly Come Dancing

The popular BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing returned for its second live show on October 4, 2023, featuring a mix of captivating performances and critical feedback from the judging panel. Among the standout moments was a pointed warning issued to contestant Lewis Cope by judge Craig Revel Horwood, who advised the contestant to “watch his back.”

Show Highlights and Judge Reactions

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcomed the celebrity dancers back to the iconic ballroom, where they faced off in front of a live audience. Cope, a former star of Emmerdale, danced a Viennese Waltz with professional partner Katya Jones, performing to Teddy Swims‘ “Lose Control.” The couple received scores of seven from judges Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood, while Shirley Ballas awarded them a six, totaling 27 points for their performance.

Judge Ballas noted the need for greater “refinement” in Cope’s routine, describing it as “too aggressive.” She praised his potential, stating, “I get your power, I love everything about it. I think you’re destined for greatness in this competition.” Nevertheless, she expressed her concerns about the aggressive approach of the routine.

Another highlight of the evening was the performance by YouTuber George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr, who executed a Paso Doble to Ruelle‘s “Game of Survival.” The duo earned a commendable total of 30 points, with judges awarding them two sevens and two eights. Craig Revel Horwood provided feedback while simultaneously warning Cope, stating, “Power, passion, and Lewis better watch his back, darling. Just saying.”

Upcoming Challenges in the Competition

As the scores were tallied, Clarke and Warr found themselves in third place on the leaderboard with a combined total of 54 points. Cope and Jones secured second place with 55 points, trailing just behind leaders Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, who topped the standings with 56 points. With the stakes rising, this weekend will see the return of the dreaded dance-off, adding pressure to the contestants.

This series introduces an intriguing twist: the head judge will rotate weekly, with a different judge responsible for making crucial decisions during the dance-off in case of a tie. As Strictly Come Dancing continues, the competition becomes increasingly fierce, promising thrilling performances and unexpected outcomes. Viewers can stream the show on BBC iPlayer.