The head judge was left feeling emotional during the Halloween themed live show of the BBC competition
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
19:45, 01 Nov 2025
Shirley was left in tears following Lewis and Katya’s performance on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas was reduced to tears following Lewis Cope’s performance during Halloween Week of the BBC competition.
Former Emmerdale star Lewis and his dance partner Katya Jones led the pack last week with 34 points, after their Quickstep to Johnny Cash impressed the judges. However, on Saturday evening (November 11), the pair bagged a top score from judges.
Before their performance in the famous ballroom, Lewis appeared on a pre-recorded video with his family in Hartlepool as they showed the actor their full support. He then dedicated his Halloween-themed dance to his family in Hartlepool, saying he wants to “do them proud”.
Their freestyle Couple’s Choice performance to Creep by Radiohead was full of humour in the white mask tradition, with a touch of ghoulishness. It included tap dancing on a piano lid and an exploding overhead sign as they gamely carry on.
Strictly’s Lewis and Katya scored 40 following their Halloween-themed performance (Image: BBC)READ MORE: Strictly fans beg bosses to step in to support Craig Revel HorwoodREAD MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly ‘replaced’ halfway through show
Following their routine, head judge Shirley was left in tears as she gave feedback to Lewis and Katya.
She said: “Well, I’m having an emotional moment. My message isn’t for you, it’s for your family at home.”
She then spoke to Lewis’ family at home, and added: “For Nana Dot, for your mum and for your siblings, and for everybody for giving you to all of us so we can enjoy that brilliant, phenomenal work. Well done you.”
Anton Du Beke also added: “There is nothing you could have done to make that dance better. It was amazing.”
Shirley looked emotional as she spoke about Lewis’ performance on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)
Judges Shirley, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton awarded the couple with 10 points each, putting Lewis and Katya at the top of the leaderboard with 40 points.
The Halloween week marks a significant point in the competition, as it is nearly halfway through.
The themed live show is among the most cherished episodes of the BBC series, alongside Blackpool, Movie Week, Musicals and Icons.
Here’s your guide to Saturday night’s Strictly performances:
- Alex and Johannes – Salsa to Horny by Mousse T feat. Hot ‘n’ Juicy.
- Amber and Nikita – Viennese Waltz to I See Red by Everybody Loves an Outlaw.
- Balvinder and Julian – Samba to Stay by Shakespears Sister.
- Ellie and Vito – Tango to Abracadabra by Lady Gaga.
- George and Alexis – Cha Cha Cha to Apple by Charli XCX.
- Harry and Karen – American Smooth to Mystical Magical by Benson Boone.
- Karen and Carlos – Argentine Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.
- La Voix and Aljaž – Paso Doble to Beethoven’s 5th.
- Lewis and Katya – Couple’s Choice to Creep by Radiohead.
The Strictly Come Dancing results show airs on Sunday evening (November 2) on BBC One and iPlayer
