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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Greg Evans

Strictly star defends contestants with past dance experience after backlash

Lauren Oakley Lewis Cope Amber Davies West End

Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley has defended contestants on this year’s show after they faced backlash for having previous dance experience.

Two of the celebrities of the 2025 edition of the BBC competition, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope and Love Island winner Amber Davies, have both had dancing training prior to joining the show.

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