Shirley Ballas Sparks Debate Among Strictly Fans
Shirley Ballas stirred discussion on Strictly Come Dancing after praising Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope's latest dance. On Saturday, Cope and his partner Katya Jones performed a Cha-Cha, aiming for another perfect score following their recent Halloween routine that earned them a 40.
Energetic Opening Performance
The duo kicked off the show with a lively performance to Pete Rodriguez's I Like It Like That, leaving smiles on their faces. After dancing, they joined presenter Tess Daly to hear judges’ feedback.
Judges' Praise
All judges offered positive comments, with Shirley Ballas standing out due to her enthusiasm. Using a playful high-pitched voice, the 65-year-old said:
Baby, I like it like that!
Her words were met with applause from the ballroom audience. She then shifted to a serious tone, adding:
We're halfway in the competition, I write myself a little list.
Panel Members
- Shirley Ballas
- Anton Du Beke
- Craig Revel Horwood
- Motsi Mabuse
Background
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones recently achieved their first perfect score on Strictly with a Halloween-inspired routine. Their Cha-Cha aimed to build on that success.
Summary: Shirley Ballas’s enthusiastic praise for Lewis Cope’s dance triggered fan debate, highlighting perceptions of double standards on Strictly judges’ feedback.