Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has dismissed accusations that he is a professional dancer, labelling the claims an 'insult' to the show's actual professionals. The 28-year-old, who played Nicky Miligan in the soap, has faced scrutiny after his past dance experience came to light, leading some to suggest the BBC had fixed the competition.
Speaking exclusively to New Magazine, Cope 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.' He explained that his only previous experience was playing Michael in Billy Elliot The Musical at age 11, where he performed tap dance, and later joining a hip-hop dance crew for amateur competitions.
Cope added: 'This is the first time I’ve been inside a dance studio for 12 years. And now that I’m working with people who are actually pro dancers like Katya, it feels like a bit of an insult to those guys. They’ve dedicated their lives to this and they’re incredible.'
His professional partner Katya Jones defended him, saying: 'All we can control is putting on a fabulous routine every weekend. Why hide that talent? To me, that would be criminal!' The pair topped the leaderboard with their Paso Doble, earning the first 10 of the series from judge Motsi Mabuse, while Craig Revel Horwood called the routine 'amazing'.
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday at 6:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
