Overview

• Appearing on Morning Live on Wednesday, Jones said it would be “criminal” to curb Cope’s fearlessness and vowed to encourage his energy.
• The pair opened the series with an energetic jive that scored 28 out of 40, placing them second on the leaderboard after judges advised more control.
• Cope joined Strictly as a late replacement after Kristian Nairn withdrew, leaving the new partnership with less preparation time than most couples.
• Jones and Cope said their training blends dance with boxing, using pads before warm-ups to build sharpness and stamina.
• They plan to perform a waltz to Lose Control by Teddy Swims this weekend, with Cope noting the routine’s spinning has been a challenge.