Lewis Strictly – Katya Jones, Dance Past, and Emmerdale Role

Lewis Cope, the 30-year-old actor from Hartlepool best known for playing Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale, has become one of the standout stories of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Announced as a late replacement after Kristian Nairn withdrew, Lewis Cope brought a surprising depth of dance experience to the ballroom floor.

His partnership with professional dancer Katya Jones quickly generated significant buzz, with the duo earning praise from the judges and securing perfect scores for some of their routines. But Cope’s path to the Strictly stage is more layered than many viewers may realise.

From his early days in a West End production of Billy Elliot to competing on the television dance competition Got to Dance, Cope’s background has made him a uniquely equipped contestant on the 2025 series.

Who Is Lewis Cope? – Biography, Age, and Family

Lewis Cope was born on 19 March 1995 in Hartlepool, County Durham. According to biographical reports, he has 13 siblings, though details about his family life remain largely private.

He began his career as a child actor and dancer, appearing in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical — a role that established his early credentials in dance and musical theatre.

Cope later transitioned into television acting, with his most prominent role being Nicky Milligan in the ITV soap Emmerdale, a character introduced in 2022. The role quickly made him a fan favourite. His wider television and stage credits are outlined in the Lewis Cope – Strictly Come Dancing 2025 profile.

Key Insights

• Lewis Cope is a trained dancer with a West End background, having performed in the original Billy Elliot the Musical.
• He gained fame as a child actor and later as a soap star on Emmerdale, making him a recognisable celebrity contestant.
• His Strictly partnership with Katya Jones has generated significant interest, with their salsa performance still widely viewed online.
• His dance experience made him a talking point, and questions about an early exit were clarified when he left via the standard dance-off.

Snapshot Facts

Who Is Lewis Cope’s Strictly Come Dancing Partner for 2025?

Lewis Cope was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The pairing was confirmed after Cope joined the cast as a late replacement, following Kristian Nairn’s withdrawal due to health issues.

The BBC confirmed Cope’s addition to the lineup in an official announcement. His partnership with Katya Jones has been particularly successful on-screen, with multiple reports highlighting their strong performances and the judges’ enthusiastic reactions.

Cope was eliminated in a later episode following a standard dance-off. However, his performances — particularly their salsa set to music from West Side Story — continue to be widely viewed online.

You can watch their salsa performance on the official Strictly YouTube channel, where it remains available.

For a closer look at the pairing, see Lewis Cope: Strictly partner Katya Jones and Emmerdale background.

What Is Lewis Cope’s Dance Background? – Billy Elliot, Got to Dance, and Strictly

Lewis Cope’s dance background is more extensive than that of most Strictly contestants. He began dancing at a young age and went on to perform in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, a role that requires significant dance and musical theatre ability.

Did Lewis Cope Perform in Billy Elliot?

Yes. Multiple sources confirm that Cope appeared in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical as a child performer. This early exposure to professional dance gave him a strong foundation in various styles, including ballet and tap.

Did Lewis Cope Compete in Got to Dance?

Yes. Cope was a member of the dance troupe Ruff Diamond, which finished as runners-up on the television competition Got to Dance in 2012. The show, which aired on Sky, featured dance groups competing for a cash prize.

There is also a less firmly established claim — appearing in lifestyle reporting rather than more authoritative BBC sources — that Cope represented the UK in the World Hip Hop Dance Championships with a group in 2013. This detail has not been confirmed by the higher-credibility sources available.

Why Did Lewis Cope Leave Strictly? – Rumors vs. Facts

A common question circulating online asks why Lewis Cope left Strictly Come Dancing. This appears to stem from confusion — some viewers may have mistaken his elimination for an earlier departure, or conflated his situation with other contestants.

According to available reporting, Cope was eliminated from the competition after a standard dance-off, as is the normal process of the show. There are no reports of an early withdrawal, injury, or other extraordinary reason for his exit.

Timeline of Lewis Cope’s Dance and Acting Career

1. 1995: Born in Hartlepool.
2. 2000s: Child actor; performed in West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
3. 2012: Competed in the TV dance competition Got to Dance as part of Ruff Diamond and reached the live final.
4. 2022: Joined Emmerdale as Nicky Milligan.
5. 2025: Announced as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2025, partnered with Katya Jones.

What Is Clear and What Remains Unclear About Lewis Cope?

Why Is Lewis Cope a Notable Strictly Contestant?

Lewis Cope is one of the few contestants on the 2025 series with professional dance training, which makes his participation noteworthy. His background in Billy Elliot and Got to Dance gives him a level of technical ability that distinguishes him from many other celebrity contestants.

His role in Emmerdale provides a large fanbase, driving significant search interest in his personal life, his Strictly partner, and his performance history. The combination of soap stardom and dance credentials makes him a compelling figure in the competition.

The Billy Elliot connection in particular has become a major talking point, as it ties directly to dance and musical theatre credibility. Reddit discussions and fan forums have actively verified his dance credentials, referencing his past performances in Got to Dance.

Sources and Key Quotes

“Lewis Cope (born 19 March 1995) is an English actor and dancer. After beginning his career as a child actor appearing in a West End production of Billy Elliot…”

— Wikipedia

“Lewis Cope is best known for playing Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale, a role that quickly made him a fan favourite.”

— BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile

“Lewis Cope and Katya Jones Salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story ✨ BBC Strictly 2025”

— YouTube (BBC Strictly)

What’s Next for Lewis Cope After Strictly?

With his Strictly journey now concluded, attention turns to Lewis Cope’s next steps. He remains a cast member on Emmerdale, where his character Nicky Milligan continues to feature in storylines. Whether his increased public profile from Strictly leads to further acting or presenting opportunities remains to be seen.

For readers following his journey, the profile and background piece linked above offer further detail.

Frequently Asked Questions