Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'I didn't sleep' after Lewis Cope's exit

Head judge Shirley Ballas has confessed she's been struggling to get any rest following Lewis Cope's elimination from Strictly Come Dancing. The Emmerdale star, who danced alongside partner Katya Jones, couldn't make it through the dance-off, and Shirley has revealed his departure has been weighing heavily on her mind.

Speaking on It Takes Two with presenter Fleur East, she disclosed her sleepless nights in the run-up to the semi-final. Fleur enquired: "How excited for being here are you now we're less than 24 hours away from this year's semi-final?"

"Well I didn't sleep yesterday, I didn't sleep when Lewis got eliminated and I probably won't sleep tonight because you never know where the show is going to go at the moment," Shirley responded, reports Wales Online.

"It is not set and it could be anyone who goes home and anyone who can win, so it will be very interesting tomorrow."

Fleur added: "In a moment, you're going to be answering some of our viewers' questions, but first we want your quick fire opinions on each couple."

When asked what guidance she'd offer Balvinder and Julian, Shirley recommended: "Go with energy and flow," whilst she told Amber and Nikita: "Bend knees and have a lot of fun!"

Turning to George and Alexis, she requested a "hip bump and a swivel please," before informing Karen and Carlos she was hoping to witness "connection and partnering".

During last week's Strictly Come Dancing, Lewis departed the contest after facing Amber in the dance-off. Following his departure, Lewis reflected: "It's been more than I could have ever wished for. If someone would have said that I'd have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I'd have been over the moon and snap their hand off.

"So, thank you to the full show, to everyone for having a space where people can be themselves, grow, learn, express themselves.

"It's been incredible and a memory that I'll have for the rest of my life, and [to Katya] I think it's all down to you.

"You've literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher, and yeah, I couldn't imagine it with anybody else. So, thank you very much."

An emotional Katya praised her partner: "I think you have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books and you will be remembered as one of, if not, the best male celebrity we've ever had on the show, but also you will be remembered for being an incredible person you are.

"Kind and genuine people still exist - what a gentleman you are, so humble and so kind. And I'm so glad that we had a chance to see you and showcase your talent and what a beautiful person you are to the world. Thank you."