Strictly Come Dancing finally made its long-awaited return to screen with series 23, as a new horde of famous faces vie for the highly coveted glitterball trophy. Among the fresh set of celebrity contestants is Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, who starred as Nicky Miligan before his 2024 departure. He wowed fans during Saturday’s (September 20) launch show after he stepped in at the last minute to replace Kristian Nairn and was paired with Katya Jones.

However, after the episode kicked off, the actor found himself embroiled in a fierce fix row when his past in dance competitions was exposed on social media. Taking to X, one viewer revealed: “Just found out #Strictly’s Lewis Cope was an international dancer before becoming an actor… and he got there after being a finalist on Davina McCall’s Sky One show, Got To Dance, way back in 2013!” In the clip, which accompanied the post, Lewis could be seen skillfully break-dancing on stage in front of the judges alongside five other dancers. Among the surprised viewers, one highlighted: "He is a fully trained dancer since he was seven years old. He's had a massive dance-based career."

One said: “He was so obviously better than everyone else even in just that little dance on Saturday so it was very clear his previous dancing experience was extensive.”

As a second viewer argued: “He shouldn't be on the show then.” Another fumed: “I’m sick and tired of #Strictly having trained contestants on the show.”

“The cheek of him to pretend he’s not a trained dancer! and we all know the public will fall for it! a grifter if I've ever seen one,” raged a fourth.

However, others defended the star as one hit back: "Street dance is very different to Ballroom and Latin dancing though is it not...??? We also know he used to be in Billy Elliot so he does have an extensive background in dance/ performance."

As another praised: "Excellent - he should be great to watch on Strictly, then..."

In addition to body-popping, there were backflips and other techniques which fans were convinced would undoubtedly contribute to his anticipated Strictly success.

The street dance troupe Ruff Diamond finished as runners-up on Sky's Got To Dance in 2013.

However, Lewis has been dancing for years, as he made his theatrical debut at age 11 playing Michael in the West End sensation Billy Elliot: The Musical.

Ahead of his unexpected Strictly debut, the star revealed: "It just happened totally last minute for me, but I love that.

"The excitement for me has been helpful and I've maybe enjoyed it more, I think, as if I'd have known for [a longer time]."