Lewis Cope’s Journey from Last-Minute Stand-In to Strictly Come Dancing Frontrunner
Introduction: An Unexpected Strictly Star
The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing has witnessed a remarkable story unfold as Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has been announced as the latest celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing as a last-minute replacement. It was announced after Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, best known for playing Hodor in the HBO fantasy series Game Of Thrones said that with a “heavy heart” he was stepping back due to “unexpected medical reasons”. What began as an unexpected phone call has transformed into one of the most compelling journeys in this year’s competition, with the 30-year-old from Hartlepool quickly establishing himself as a serious contender for the Glitterball trophy.
Making History with Perfect Scores
It’s the first of the series and very well deserved as Lewis got the first perfect score during Halloween Week, performing a Couple’s Choice routine to Radiohead’s “Creep” with professional partner Katya Jones. Motsi hailed the routine as a “moment” for Strictly history, cementing Lewis’s position as one to watch. He’s already emerged as a potential favourite to win the Glitterball trophy, earning the first 10 score of the 2025 series in week three, with Motsi Mabuse awarding him and partner Katya Jones a perfect score for their Mask of Zorro-inspired Paso Doble. He’s also got the highest average score (30.67) over three weeks, demonstrating consistent excellence across various dance styles.
From Soap Star to Dance Floor Sensation
Announcing his participation on BBC’s The One Show, Cope said the programme had got in contact on Monday asking if he wanted to join this year’s series. The actor, who plays Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale, was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards and has starred in Vera and Miss Sidhu Investigates. Whilst He competed in the Davina McCall-hosted show back in 2013, finishing as runner-up with his dance crew, Ruff Diamond on Got To Dance, Lewis has emphasised that his hip-hop background differs significantly from Latin and Ballroom styles.
Current Standing and Future Prospects
The former Emmerdale actor came joint second in Strictly Come Dancing’s musicals week despite receiving criticism from the judges, demonstrating his resilience and ability to connect with audiences. His partnership with Katya Jones has proven chemistry both technically and artistically, with the duo continuing to deliver memorable performances week after week. As the competition intensifies heading towards the semi-finals, Lewis Cope represents not just a feel-good story of seizing unexpected opportunities, but a genuine talent who has earned his place amongst the competition’s elite dancers through dedication and natural ability.