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Lewis Cope has said he is puzzled by claims that he is a "professional dancer" as his Strictly Come Dancing journey has been marred by experience criticism.

The former Emmerdale actor is one of the favourites to win the hit dance show but is perplexed when people say his performance background gives him an advantage.

He also said he finds it "a bit of an insult" to the BBC One dance contest's professional dancers, such as his pro partner Katya Jones.

Speaking to OK! Magazine , Lewis said: "It's strange to hear that I'm some kind of 'professional dancer'.

"It's been so long since I danced, and I never trained professionally. I did Billy Elliot The Musical when I was 11, but I wasn't good enough to play Billy Elliot, so I played Michael and just did some tap dance.

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