The glitterball trophy is calling for another soap star as Lewis Cope, best known for playing Nate Robinson in ITV's Emmerdale, has officially been confirmed as the first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
From Yorkshire Dales to Dance Floor
The 29-year-old actor, who joined the popular Yorkshire-based soap in 2021, is trading the rural drama of the Dales for the sparkle and sequins of the BBC's flagship dancing competition. Cope's character Nate has been central to several major storylines, including a dramatic paternity reveal and complex family dynamics.
In an exclusive statement, Cope expressed his excitement about the new challenge: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the Strictly family next year. It's been a dream of mine for so long, and to finally get the opportunity to learn to dance properly is incredible. I know it will be challenging, but I can't wait to get started and throw myself into the whole experience."
Following in Soap Star Footsteps
Cope follows in the footsteps of numerous soap stars who have previously graced the Strictly dance floor, including:
- Emma Barton (EastEnders) - 2019 finalist
- Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale) - 2019 winner
- Rose Ayling-Ellis (EastEnders) - 2021 winner
- Molly Rainford (formerly of Nova Jones) - 2022 finalist
The announcement comes as part of the BBC's early casting strategy for the 2025 series, which aims to build excitement well in advance of the show's typical autumn launch.
What to Expect from Lewis on the Dance Floor
While Cope hasn't revealed any formal dance experience, his physical background in acting and stage work suggests he might have the coordination and performance skills needed to excel in the competition. His Emmerdale co-stars have already begun showing their support on social media, with many predicting he could be this year's dark horse contender.
The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One in September, with professional dancer pairings and the full celebrity lineup to be announced in the coming months.
