Lewis Cope – Biography, Emmerdale Role, and Strictly Journey

Lewis Cope is an English actor and dancer, widely recognized for his role as Nicky Milligan in the long-running ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Born on 19 March 1995 in Hartlepool, County Durham, he is 31 years old as of 2026. His early start in London’s West End set the stage for a diverse career spanning theatre, television, and reality competition.

Cope’s journey into performing began as a child in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, where he played the character Michael. He later competed on the dance talent show Got to Dance with his group Ruff Diamond, reaching the finals in 2013. After graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he quickly moved into screen acting, landing roles in prominent British series.

Beyond his acting credits, Cope gained national attention as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025. While his professional life is well-documented, details about his family and personal relationships remain largely out of the public eye, a deliberate privacy that adds an air of mystery to his rising star.

Who Is Lewis Cope? Age, Background, and Early Life

Key Insights Into Lewis Cope

• His career began at a very young age in one of the West End’s most demanding musicals, showcasing exceptional dance training.
• The role of Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale quickly turned him into a fan favourite and opened doors to national television exposure.
• Despite growing fame, Cope maintains a relatively private personal life, with few confirmed details about his family or partner.
• Formal training at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama positions him among a new generation of versatile British stage and screen actors.
• Upcoming roles, including a part in a new Channel 5 drama, suggest a steady trajectory toward leading-man status in UK television.

Lewis Cope Fact File

Lewis Cope’s Career: Movies, TV Shows, and Theatre

From the West End to Soap Stardom

Cope’s professional debut came early. He appeared in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical as a child, taking on the role of Michael. This was followed by a stint on the Sky1 talent show Got to Dance, where his group Ruff Diamond reached the final and finished as runners-up in 2013. Those early experiences on stage and in competition honed his natural performing instincts.

Film and Television Highlights

His screen work includes a strong mix of British television staples. He played Marcus Hynde in Vera, Tom Griffiths in Doctors, and Wilfred Sturgess in Hetty Feather. He also appeared in Mrs Sidhu Investigates and several short films including A Six and Two Threes and Waterbabies.

The Emmerdale Breakthrough

Cope joined the cast of Emmerdale in December 2022 as Nicky Miligan. The character quickly became central to storylines, leading to a reported nomination for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards. His character departed the show in July 2024 alongside Suni Sharma.

Strictly Come Dancing

In 2025, Cope was announced as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, joining the series after another contestant withdrew on medical grounds. He was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones. According to Wikipedia, they earned the show’s first perfect 40 score of the series with a Halloween couple’s choice dance, ultimately finishing in fifth place.

Lewis Cope’s Personal Life: Partner, Family, and Net Worth

Who Are Lewis Cope’s Parents?

Reliable, direct information about Cope’s parents is not publicly available through any of the major biographical sources. Wikipedia notes that he has 13 siblings, though their names and specific details are also not part of the public record. This is a deliberate gap that reflects his choice to keep family matters private.

Does Lewis Cope Have a Partner?

Wikipedia states that “Cope is in a relationship,” but it does not name his partner. On his Emmerdale exit, his character Nicky left with boyfriend Suni Sharma. It is important to clarify that this is a character relationship within the soap opera and not a confirmed statement about Cope’s own romantic life. No name or further public confirmation is available from authoritative sources.

What Is Lewis Cope’s Net Worth?

No official disclosure of Cope’s net worth exists. Estimates found online vary wildly and lack credible sourcing. Any figure presented as his net worth should be treated as pure speculation.

Key Events in Lewis Cope’s Career and Life

1. 1995: Born in Hartlepool, County Durham.
2. 2000s (childhood): Performs as a child actor in Billy Elliot the Musical in London’s West End, playing Michael.
3. 2013: Reaches the final of Got to Dance with his dance group Ruff Diamond.
4. 2015–2018: Trains at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
5. December 2022: Joins Emmerdale as Nicky Milligan.
6. 2023: Reportedly nominated for the Rising Star Award at the National Television Awards.
7. July 2024: Character Nicky Milligan exits Emmerdale alongside Suni Sharma.
8. 2025: Competes on Strictly Come Dancing, earning a perfect 40 score and finishing in fifth place.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Lewis Cope?

Lewis Cope in the Landscape of British Television

Cope’s career trajectory follows a familiar but impressive path for UK performers: starting in rigorous musical theatre, moving into a long-running soap opera to build a national audience, and then branching into primetime reality TV and drama. His appearance on Strictly Come Dancing signalled mainstream crossover appeal, while his training at a prestigious conservatoire adds a layer of credibility that allows him to tackle both dramatic and musical roles.

His move into a six-part Channel 5 drama as Kaden Barrie suggests an intentional shift toward lead roles in serialized television. This pattern of growth places him among a generation of actors who leverage stage foundations into sustainable screen careers.

Credible Sources on Lewis Cope

“After beginning his career as a child actor appearing in a West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical…”

– 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 trained at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Lewis will next be seen playing Kaden Barrie in all six episodes of the brand new Channel 5 drama.”

– InterTalent Group agency bio

Summary of Lewis Cope’s Profile

Lewis Cope is a 31-year-old English actor and dancer who rose to fame through a childhood role in Billy Elliot the Musical, a standout performance as Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale, and a strong showing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025. While his career milestones are well-documented, his personal life—including details about his parents, partner, and net worth—remains largely private. With upcoming television projects on the horizon, Cope continues to build a versatile career in British entertainment.

For more biographies of British performers, read our profile on Luke Goss – Biography, Movies and Personal Life and our guide to Sam Heughan Movies and TV Shows – Complete Guide and Filmography.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis Cope