Lewis Strictly Come Dancing – Emmerdale Star’s Journey on the Show

Lewis Cope, a 30-year-old actor from Hartlepool, County Durham, has become one of the most talked-about contestants on Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Known to millions for his role as Nicky Milligan on Emmerdale, Cope brings a surprisingly deep dance background to the ballroom—one that stretches back to the West End stage and a national television dance competition.

Born on 19 March 1995, Cope is one of 14 children, raised alongside 13 siblings in a mining community where his grandfather worked as a miner. He joined the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing as a replacement contestant after Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn withdrew on medical grounds, partnering with professional dancer Katya Jones.

His journey from a large family in the North East to the Strictly dance floor is a story of early talent, hard work, and an unexpected phone call that changed everything.

Who Is Lewis Cope? – Biography and Career

• Lewis Cope is one of few Strictly contestants with a professional musical theatre dance background from a young age.
• His role as Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale made him a fan favourite before Strictly.
• He previously reached the live final of the dance competition Got to Dance (Sky TV) as a teenager.
• Cope’s casting on Strictly 2025 continues a trend of soap stars joining the show.
• His Billy Elliot experience suggests strong ballet and contemporary training, which may give him an edge in ballroom and Latin.

What Is Lewis Cope’s Dance Background?

Billy Elliot and the West End Debut

Cope made his stage debut at age 11 as Michael, the best friend of the title character, in the West End production of Billy Elliot: The Musical. It was a non-dancing role, but he has said it was life-changing: “If I hadn’t have done that show when I was 11, I wouldn’t be an actor now.” Some sources mistakenly claim he was 8 or 13; the most reliable account states he was 11.

Competitive Dance on National Television

As a teenager, Cope joined the hip-hop troupe Ruff Diamond, representing the UK in world championships. The group became runners-up on Sky One’s Got to Dance in 2013 (Season 4), with judge Kimberly Wyatt calling their audition the best of the series. The competition, which aired on Sky One, was a prominent platform for young dance talent at the time, and Cope’s appearance there remains a notable early credential. The full series archive is available on Sky’s streaming service.

Who Are Lewis Cope’s Family? – Parents and Origins

Growing Up in Hartlepool

Cope was raised in Hartlepool, County Durham, a coastal town in the North East of England. He comes from a very large family, being one of 14 children. His grandfather was a miner, and Cope has often emphasised that his upbringing was grounded and ordinary.

Family Influence on His Career

Cope’s father is not a public figure, and there is no indication that his family is involved in show business. He has described himself as an “ordinary lad from a huge family in Hartlepool,” crediting his early theatrical experiences—rather than family connections—for launching his career. His first acting job, in Billy Elliot: The Musical, came through an open audition that he attended on a whim, a story he has recounted in interviews with outlets such as The Independent.

When Did Lewis Cope Join Strictly Come Dancing 2025?

A Last-Minute Addition to the Lineup

Cope was announced as a Strictly contestant in 2025 after Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones) withdrew on medical grounds. Cope received the call while walking on Oxford Street in London. His participation was widely seen as a “hero” entry due to his quick replacement of a withdrawn star.

Partnership with Katya Jones and Dances Performed

Cope was paired with professional dancer Katya Jones. One of his notable performances was a Couple’s Choice dance to “Creep” by Radiohead. He became the ninth celebrity to leave the 2025 series, eliminated in the Results Show. His partnership with Jones drew particular attention because of her reputation as a creative and demanding choreographer; the duo’s chemistry was noted in recaps from BBC.

Lewis Cope – Key Milestones Timeline

1. 19 March 1995: Born in Hartlepool, County Durham.
2. c. 2006 (age 11): Makes West End stage debut as Michael in Billy Elliot: The Musical.
3. Early 2010s: Joins hip-hop troupe Ruff Diamond, representing the UK in world championships.
4. 2013: Ruff Diamond becomes runner-up on Sky One’s Got to Dance (Season 4).
5. 2022: Joins Emmerdale as Nicky Milligan, son of Caleb Miligan and grandson of Frank Tate.
6. 2025: Announced as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing Series 23, replacing Kristian Nairn. Partners with Katya Jones.
7. December 2025: Eliminated as the ninth celebrity to leave the series.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

What Does Lewis Cope’s Strictly Journey Tell Us?

Lewis Cope enters Strictly 2025 as a soap opera actor with significant prior dance experience—unlike many celebrity contestants. His background in Billy Elliot and a previous TV dance competition (Got to Dance) suggests he has strong performance skills and technical training. This could make him an early frontrunner, though the transition from musical theatre and hip-hop to ballroom and Latin may still present challenges. The show’s format often rewards charisma and improvement as much as raw talent. Cope’s fanbase from Emmerdale may also boost viewer votes.

Sources and Quotes

“If I hadn’t have done that show when I was 11, I wouldn’t be an actor now.”

— Lewis Cope, on his role in Billy Elliot: The Musical (The Independent)

“For anyone thinking, Lewis only did a bit Billy Elliot when he was younger. He fully made it to the final of a dance show on television.”

— Reddit discussion on the Got to Dance final

“Lewis Cope is best known for playing Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale, a role that quickly made him a fan favourite. Born in Hartlepool, County Durham…”

— BBC official Strictly profile

Summary: What to Know About Lewis Cope and Strictly Come Dancing

Lewis Cope is a 30-year-old actor and dancer from Hartlepool, best known for playing Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale and for his early career on the West End stage in Billy Elliot: The Musical. He joined Strictly Come Dancing 2025 as a replacement contestant, partnered with Katya Jones, and was eliminated as the ninth celebrity to leave the series. His dance background—which includes a runner-up finish on Got to Dance—makes him one of the more technically prepared contestants in recent Strictly history. For more on British soap actors, see our profile on Laura Doddington – Age, Husband, EastEnders Role and Career.

Frequently Asked Questions