Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in disbelief as Lewis Cope was sent home from the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers noticed the judges’ dismayed reactions during Lewis Cope’s dance-off this evening. Sunday’s episode saw the former Emmerdale star eliminated after landing in the bottom two. He faced the dance-off alongside Amber Davies, despite both celebrities achieving some of the series’ top scores.

The panel made their disappointment abundantly clear, with Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas struggling to watch the dance-off unfold. Whilst all judges unanimously chose to save Amber, they remained visibly saddened by Lewis’s departure.

Fans have since highlighted the judges’ dejection, with a screenshot circulating online showing Motsi and Shirley with their heads buried in their hands following Lewis’s final routine. The image was shared with the caption: “Motsi and Shirley’s reaction after Lewis’ dance off says it all #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”

Strictly Come Dancing fans spot judges’ horrified reaction to Lewis Cope’s dance off (Image: BBC)

Supporters of the programme have been discussing the judges’ response, with one commenting: “Semi-final will be flat and won’t be worth watching now as the dancers left in won’t come up to anywhere near Lewis and Katya’s standard. They had something special.”

Another viewer remarked: “Such a wrong decision, I like Amber, but she is from musical theatre, where he’s not. I hope he continues and shines as the dancer and performer he truly is.

“It’s all about balance. The public votes for their favourites; the judges then vote the better dancer through,” added a third commentator. While many viewers were shocked that Lewis was sent home, some argued that it had been a long time coming, with fans favouring celebrities who have embarked on a dancing “journey”.

One fan shared: “Some of us want to see people on a ‘journey’ still. To see people improve each week. To find their confidence. To see people out of their comfort zone. I think that’s what Karen, George and Balvinder represent. I, for one, am enjoying their journeys.”

Another viewer concurred: “It shows that’s not always the best dancers that prove popular, those with ‘more experience’ are not always followed. I didn’t know Bal, George or even Kaz before this series, but they take my votes every week. Are they the best dancers? No, but they are warm, humble and a joy.”

Actor Lewis has maintained that his previous dance experience did not give him an advantage while competing on the show. He portrayed Billy Elliott’s friend Michael in the successful musical.

Lewis was also a member of the dance group Ruff Diamond, which came second in the Sky dance competition Got to Dance, hosted by Ashley Banjo, in 2013.