Celebrities with prior dancing experience have sparked a debate among fans of the TV show “Strictly Come Dancing.” Whether it’s Amber Davies’ work in West End stages, Lewis Cope and Karen Carney’s childhood dance competitions, or Scarlett Moffatt’s ballroom and Latin training, viewers have questioned if having a dance background gives contestants an unfair advantage.
The controversy escalated during the 2025 series when Lewis Cope’s hip hop training became a focal point of discussion. Chris Robshaw’s wife expressed concern that Lewis’ experience was putting other contestants at a disadvantage. This prompted a social media reaction, with Camilla defending Lewis on Instagram against accusations of unfairness due to his dance background.
Amber Davies’ theatre dance training and Karen’s childhood hip hop competitions further fueled the debate, with some fans labeling their prior experience as “cheating,” especially as they advanced to the quarter-finals. However, others argued that having experienced dancers on the show added excitement and showcased exceptional performances.
Additionally, Scarlett Moffatt, winner of the “Strictly Come Dancing” Christmas special, faced accusations of cheating for her past involvement in ballroom and Latin competitions as a child. Despite the backlash, Scarlett emphasized that her dancing days were in the past and that she enjoyed her appearance on the show.
The ongoing debate raises the question: Should celebrities with dance experience be prohibited from participating in “Strictly Come Dancing”? Share your opinion by participating in our poll and leaving a comment below.