Lewis Cope: From Billy Elliot to Strictly Stardom
Lewis Cope, born in Hartlepool, County Durham, in 1995, is an accomplished actor and dancer whose career has spanned stage and screen. At just 13 years old, he made his debut in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, a role that would shape his future. After appearing on Got to Dance in 2013 and training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cope has graced television series such as Doctors, Vera, and Emmerdale, where he played Nicky Miligan from 2022 to 2024. He is currently performing in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour until 15 February.
Early Life and Family Dynamics
Growing up in a bustling household of 14 children, Cope was the tenth sibling, with eight brothers and five sisters. He describes a home filled with constant movement and noise, where older siblings cared for the younger ones, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and love. His mother, a beautician who ran a salon from their house, exemplified resilience, juggling work and family without complaint. Cope credits her work ethic as a major influence on his own dedication to hard work.
Dance Beginnings and Billy Elliot Breakthrough
Cope's journey into dance began reluctantly when his mother took him and his brothers to a class. Initially hesitant, he decided to participate, a choice that would alter his life path. Despite pausing dancing in secondary school to fit in, he eventually auditioned for Billy Elliot the Musical in Newcastle, overcoming fears of judgment. In the show, he played Michael, Billy's gay best friend who wears dresses without shame, a role that opened his eyes to performance possibilities. Remarkably, Cope never faced bullying for wearing a dress, attributing this to having many brothers who did boxing and provided backup.
Challenges and Career Milestones
After securing the part, Cope moved to London, where the structured chaos of the Billy Elliot house reminded him of home. He faced challenges, such as lacking a natural sense of rhythm due to a noisy upbringing, but overcame them through drumming lessons and perseverance. Post-Billy Elliot, he returned to Hartlepool, joining the dance group Ruff Diamond and reaching the finals of Got to Dance in 2013. A period of self-doubt followed, with Cope nearly opting for a railway job before recommitting to acting.
Emmerdale and Strictly Come Dancing Experiences
Cope's persistence paid off when he landed a role on Emmerdale after a casual self-tape submission. He highlights the emotional toll of auditioning between roles, where silence can breed doubt, but emphasizes the importance of persistence. On Emmerdale, he enjoyed connecting with a vast audience, even fulfilling his Nana Dot's favourite shows, including Vera. His participation in Strictly Come Dancing revitalized him, with rigorous training and support from partner Katya Jones helping him overcome weekly anxieties and rediscover his passion for dance.
Reflections and Future Outlook
Now 30, Cope feels rejuvenated by his Strictly experience, maintaining the same energy and buzz from his youth. He reflects on the pivotal moments where choosing courage over fear led to great opportunities. Looking back, he is grateful for his journey and hopes to continue embracing challenges without losing his drive.
