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Strictly Come Dancing's Lewis Cope has sparked a 'fix row' after his extensive dance background was revealed during the launch show on Saturday evening.
The Emmerdale actor, 30, is currently the favourite to lift the Glitterball trophy, with bookies placing him at 3/1. Hot on his heels is former Love Island star Dani Dyer, 29, at 4/1.
But while viewers eagerly awaited the celebrity-pro pairings, Lewis's professional dance past came to light, sparking fury amongst fans.
It turns out his talents stretch far beyond the small screen, as the soap star is also a trained dancer.
During a pre-recorded segment on the BBC show, Lewis confessed he had been dancing since the age of 10 - even landing a role in Billy Elliot in London's West End.
He shared: 'When I was 11, I was in Billy Elliot in the West End, which was quite relevant to my life. So my brothers were boxing and I was dancing.'
Several viewers then flocked to X, formerly Twitter, claiming he will likely win the show because of his past dance experience.
One wrote: 'I need Lewis to stop pretending he’s not a trained dancer.; 'Another Billy Elliot ex-pro dancer. tut tut'
'Just give lewis the trophy now. He looks the part without seeing him move.'
'Lewis is such a natural mover. His theatre experience will really help him as well. He's definitely making that final I can feel it.'
'How will Lewis Cope on the dancefloor? I reckon he’ll be just fine.'; 'The way lewis is blatantly gonna win is p****ng me off.'; 'So Lewis is a dancer.'
Lewis previously spent eight years with the elite street dance crew Ruff Diamond, who were runners-up on Sky TV's Got to Dance.
At just 18, he performed in front of judges Ashley Banjo, Kimberly Wyatt and Aston Merrygold.
Ruff Diamond also appeared on Children in Need, danced alongside the EastEnders cast, and was crowned UK Hip Hop Champions twice.
The group even represented the UK at the 2013 World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas.
Lewis left Ruff Diamond in 2015, aged 20, to study acting at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
He joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2022, playing Nicky Miligan, and bid farewell to the Dales in July 2024 when his character left the village with his boyfriend, Suni Sharma.
Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing's first live show is set to hit screens on September 27, airing on BBC One.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: 'I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.'
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: 'My hips don't lie.'
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: 'I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.'
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: 'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.'
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: 'Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!'
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified.'
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: 'I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.'
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: 'Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.'
Dani Dyer
Age: 29
Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner
Dani says: 'Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.'
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: 'Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.'
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: 'It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream'.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: 'This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class'.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: 'Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.'
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: 'I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!'
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: 'I'm so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing.'