Strictly Come Dancing hasn’t even hit our screens yet, and already the buzz around this year’s series has taken a dramatic turn.
Before a single sequin has shimmered under the spotlight, fans are questioning whether the competition is fair, as one contestant’s background in dance has come to light.
Meet Lewis Cope – The Last-Minute Addition
Lewis Cope, best known for his role as Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale, was only recently announced as a replacement for Kristian Nair, who had to withdraw from the show due to medical reasons.
His arrival was meant to add excitement – and it certainly has, though maybe not in the way producers imagined.
Years of Dance Experience Revealed
It turns out Lewis isn’t stepping onto the Strictly dance floor as a complete beginner.
He’s been dancing since the age of 10 and even made it to the live finals of Got To Dance in 2013 with his crew Ruff Diamond.
The group, which also competed internationally, even won praise from judge Ashley Banjo, who called them one of the best acts ever on the show.
From Stage to Screen – A Packed Career Already
Lewis’s talents didn’t stop at street dance.
As a child, he performed in Billy Elliot: The Musical in the West End and later trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Since then, he’s built an impressive career with roles in TV shows like Vera and Hetty Feather, not to mention starring on stage in Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution.
Strictly Odds Already in His Favour
Bookies are taking notice too.
Lewis has jumped straight in as one of the joint favourites to win this year’s Glitterball Trophy, with odds at 3/1 alongside model and disability ambassador Ellie Goldstein.
His professional background might give him a head start, though fans are debating whether it gives him an unfair advantage.
Saying Goodbye to the Dales
Earlier this year, Lewis wrapped up his time on Emmerdale, where his character Nicky was revealed to be part of both the Tate and Dingle families.
After 18 months on the soap, his storyline ended with Nicky leaving the village with his partner Suni Sharma.
The role even earned him a Rising Star nomination at the 2023 National Television Awards.
An Unexpected Beckham Connection
Away from acting and dancing, Lewis also revealed a surprising friendship with football legend David Beckham.
He even starred in one of Beckham’s fragrance adverts, describing the former England captain as “such a nice guy.”
Kristian Nair’s Emotional Exit
Of course, Lewis wouldn’t be part of the lineup if not for Kristian Nair’s last-minute departure.
The actor and DJ, best known from Game of Thrones, had to step back due to health reasons.
In a heartfelt statement, he apologised to fans, promising he’d “be back on his feet very soon.”
Dani Dyer’s Dancing Past
Lewis isn’t the only contestant with some dance experience.
Dani Dyer, who shot to fame on Love Island in 2018, once described herself as a “qualified dancer” in her autobiography.
She revealed she trained in tap, ballet, jazz, and modern dance from a young age – something that may also give her an edge when the glitterball action kicks off.
The Glittering 2025 Lineup
This year’s Strictly roster is as star-studded as ever.
From Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, to drag performer La Voix and reality TV favourites Vicky Pattison and Thomas Skinner, the mix is diverse and full of personality.
With former footballers, actors, and even showbiz correspondent Ross King in the mix, it promises to be one of the most unpredictable seasons yet.
