Lewis Cope has quickly become a standout performer in this year’s competition, captivating audiences with a disarming humility and a genuinely warm smile – a refreshing change from the often-forced enthusiasm seen on the show. But beyond the charming personality lies a remarkable talent; he’s arguably the best dancer this series, especially considering he began with no prior formal training.
His performance to Radiohead’s “Creep” alongside Katya Jones wasn’t just a dance, it was an experience. In 21 years of watching this show, it stands alone as the most compelling routine I’ve ever witnessed – a breathtaking display of artistry and connection. At this point, awarding the win to anyone else feels almost illogical.
However, a troubling pattern has emerged, and it’s unfairly impacting George Clarke’s journey. While Cope rightfully leads the pack, Clarke is consistently undervalued, seemingly let down by judging that feels disconnected from actual technical merit and performance quality.
Last week’s Cha Cha was a prime example. Instead of showcasing Clarke’s abilities, the choreography seemed designed to highlight his partner’s skills, even incorporating a deliberately simplistic viral dance trend more suited to struggling contestants. Despite this, Clarke was unfairly placed near the bottom of the leaderboard, a position that simply didn’t reflect his performance.
I’m genuinely enthusiastic about both La Voix and Vicky Pattison, two personalities who have blossomed throughout the series. Pattison’s transformation is particularly inspiring – from a visibly nervous beginner to a confident performer earning impressive scores. But even with their growth, their routines haven’t demonstrated the same level of technical skill as Clarke’s.
The judges’ praise often feels disproportionate, focusing on perceived “improvement” rather than objective skill. Shirley’s comments on Pattison’s “huge improvement” and Anton’s praise for “bold” movements felt exaggerated, especially when compared to the more nuanced and technically proficient performance delivered by Clarke.
This isn’t a new issue for *Strictly*, but it’s particularly glaring this year. Contestants are too often judged against their personal bests, rather than in comparison to their competitors, creating a leaderboard that feels increasingly arbitrary and disconnected from reality.
Clarke deserves better. He shouldn’t be anywhere near the bottom of the leaderboard, especially when other contestants with demonstrably weaker skills and routines consistently score higher. The public should decide based on personality and entertainment value, while the judges should focus solely on technical ability and performance.
Cope, Karen Carney, and Amber Davies are all exceptional dancers, but Clarke possesses the greatest potential to reach their level, despite his late start. The judges’ previous criticisms clearly affected his confidence, and that’s a disservice to his talent.
This Saturday, Clarke will perform a Viennese Waltz to Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” While not my personal favorite song, its powerful chorus could provide the impact he needs to reconnect with viewers. The Viennese Waltz also suits his strengths as a dancer, and I’m confident he can deliver a performance that reasserts his position at the front of the competition. Hopefully, the judges will finally recognize his true potential.
