The BBC has confirmed that former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope will join the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn. The announcement was made on The One Show on Thursday evening, just days after the original line-up had been revealed.
Cope, best known for playing Nicky Miligan in the ITV soap, is no stranger to performing. He made his West End debut at the age of 11 in Billy Elliot: The Musical, and will now put his dancing skills to the test in the Strictly ballroom.
Kristian Nairn, who was due to take part, withdrew from the series citing unexpected medical reasons. In a statement, he said: "With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I'm deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor."
Fans have been quick to predict that Cope could follow in the footsteps of another Emmerdale star, Kelvin Fletcher, who joined the show at late notice in 2019 and went on to win with professional partner Oti Mabuse. One viewer wrote on X: "I think Lewis Cope is gonna win Strictly... can obviously already dance, good-looking, he'll have the North East behind him, he'll walk this."
Speaking about his participation, Cope said: "I'm so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing. I've always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!" The actor, who was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards, admitted he knew "nothing" about his involvement until he received an unexpected phone call.
