ITV's Lorraine show experienced unexpected chaos on air when part of the set malfunctioned during a live segment featuring Strictly Come Dancing stars Lewis Cope and Katya Jones. The incident occurred as the electronic sliding doors, designed with a flame-filled screen to complement the couple's quickstep performance to Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire," failed to open. Presenter Ranvir Singh, who was hosting the show, initially waited to see if the doors would open, but when a panel broke away from the doors, she stepped in to help the guests onto the set. She later joked about the mishap, commenting lightheartedly on the set’s failure and saying, "The show must go on," as the interview resumed.

Ranvir Singh, a former Strictly contestant herself, maintained composure throughout the disruption and facilitated the continuation of the interview. The segment highlighted Lewis Cope’s dance journey and upcoming performances on Strictly Come Dancing, including his role in the forthcoming Icons Week where he is set to embody Johnny Cash. Actress-turned-dancer Lewis, 30, has been a favourite on the show, impressing with his performances despite having a more limited dance background compared to some competitors. Ranvir’s efforts to keep the interview on track, with assistance from Ross King who tried to fix the broken set piece in the background, kept the atmosphere professional and light-hearted.

Lewis Cope, widely known for his role as Nicky Miligan in Emmerdale, has demonstrated significant dance prowess this Strictly series, topping the leaderboard with a perfect score for his Paso Doble to "The Plaza of Execution," a routine praised by judge Motsi Mabuse as "the dance of the night." Despite this success, Cope has faced criticism regarding his dance background, which he addressed by clarifying he is professionally trained as an actor and only danced briefly during his youth. Speaking to TV Guide, Cope dismissed the notion of being a “professional dancer,” calling it "a bit of an insult" to those fully dedicated to the art.

Further underlining his versatility, Cope's Strictly debut jive earned him 28 points, placing him near the top of the leaderboard from the beginning. Alongside Katya Jones, who is his professional dance partner this season, Cope has consistently performed well, delivering a Vienna Waltz and a Foxtrot that garnered strong scores and praise from the show's judges. Notably, his experience includes a past role in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, where he portrayed Michael, a character with some tap dance elements, which contributed to his dance foundation.

Katya Jones has played a critical role in Cope's rise in the competition, guiding performances that have captivated judges and audiences alike. Their routines, characterised by dynamic choreography and theatrical flair, have earned them recognition and positioned them as strong contenders in the series. Cope’s enthusiasm for dance and ability to connect with the material have been highlighted by commentators as key to his success, despite his primary identification as an actor.

Overall, the Lorraine set mishap became a memorable moment for viewers not only for the technical difficulty but also for the seamless way the presenters and guests navigated the challenge. Meanwhile, Lewis Cope’s continued ascent in Strictly is a testament to his dedication and adaptability, bridging his acting career with the demands of competitive dance.

📌 Reference Map:

  • Paragraph 1 – [1] (Liverpool Echo)
  • Paragraph 2 – [1] (Liverpool Echo)
  • Paragraph 3 – [2] (Evening Standard), [3] (Express & Star), [4] (TV Guide)
  • Paragraph 4 – [5] (Upday), [6] (Donaheys), [7] (Hartlepool Mail)

Source: Noah Wire Services