Strictly Come Dancing's glittering launch night delivered its first major talking point, and it wasn't just about the fancy footwork. Actor Lewis Cope, best known for his role in Coronation Street, left viewers utterly bewildered as he took to the famous dancefloor.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), erupted within moments of his appearance. Dozens of astonished fans flocked online to point out the actor's uncanny doppelgänger status. The consensus was unanimous: Lewis Cope is the spitting image of much-loved broadcaster and former Strictly contestant Dan Walker.
A Social Media Frenzy Erupts
One viewer captured the nation's sentiment perfectly, tweeting: 'Am I the only one who thinks the new guy on #Strictly is a dead ringer for Dan Walker?!' This comment was quickly followed by a flood of agreement. Another user quipped, 'Did Dan Walker sneak back onto Strictly under a different name? The resemblance is unbelievable!'
The comparison didn't stop at mere looks. Some eagle-eyed fans noted that even Cope's calm and charming demeanor mirrored the gentle presenting style of the BBC Breakfast and Channel 5 News star.
From Weatherfield to the Waltz
The 28-year-old Geordie actor, who played the role of Sam Aston in the ITV soap, is now partnered with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova. The pair are set to compete against other celebrities in the quest for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
While his dancing skills are yet to be fully judged, one thing is already certain: Lewis Cope has won the award for most talked-about celebrity lookalike on this year's series. This amusing twist has provided the perfect, light-hearted start to the new season of the nation's favourite dance show.
