Lewis Cope, the British actor widely recognized for his role as Nicky Miligan in the ITV soap Emmerdale, was a standout contestant on the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2025. Paired with professional dancer Katya Jones, Cope impressed judges and audiences alike with his natural rhythm and athletic grace, consistently appearing at the top of the leaderboard during the early weeks of the competition. Although he was eliminated in Week 9 (December 7, 2025), he finished with an impressive average score of 34.8, placing him among the highest-rated technical dancers of the season. As of April 2026, Lewis has recently concluded the highly successful Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, where he reunited with Jones to perform for thousands of fans across the UK’s largest arenas.
From the Dales to the Ballroom
Lewis Cope’s transition from Emmerdale to Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 was met with significant excitement from soap fans. Having played the complex Nicky Miligan since late 2022, Cope was already a household name, but Strictly allowed him to showcase a more disciplined and artistic side of his personality.
During the launch show in September 2025, he was paired with Katya Jones, a world-champion dancer known for her innovative choreography. This pairing was immediately flagged by bookmakers as a “power couple” due to Cope’s previous musical theater training and Jones’s reputation for pushing her partners to their physical limits.
Notable 2025 Performances and Scores
Lewis Cope’s journey was defined by high-energy routines and a clear technical progression. His debut performance set a high bar for the rest of the celebrities, signaling his intent to compete for the Glitterball trophy from the very start.
The Week 1 Jive
In his first live appearance, Lewis and Katya performed a Jive to “Get Ready” by The Temptations. The routine earned a massive score of 28 (7, 7, 7, 7), one of the highest opening scores of the series, with Craig Revel Horwood praising his “phenomenal” footwork.
Movie Week and Beyond
During Movie Week (Week 3), the couple took on a dramatic Paso Doble inspired by a classic action film. This performance solidified Lewis as a serious contender, as he balanced the theatrical requirements of the dance with the strict technical framing required by head judge Shirley Ballas.
The 2026 Strictly Live Tour
Following his elimination in December 2025, Lewis Cope was confirmed as a headline act for the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. Starting in January 2026, the tour traveled to cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.
Lewis often spoke in 2026 interviews about how the tour allowed him to perform without the “nerve-wracking” pressure of the judges’ scores. Alongside other 2025 stars like George Clarke and winner Karen Carney, Lewis’s tour performances were frequently voted as the “audience favorite” during the nightly live voting segments.
Partnership with Katya Jones
The chemistry between Lewis and Katya was a central theme of their 2025 run. Katya, who previously won the show with Joe McFadden, described Lewis as one of the most “dedicated and hardworking” students she had ever mentored.
Their rehearsals were often highlighted in the “It Takes Two” companion show, showcasing the grueling hours Lewis put in to master complex lifts and transitions. Despite the intensity of the training, the pair maintained a strong friendship, often sharing behind-the-scenes content of their “Saturday night rituals” with their combined social media following.
Career Impact and 2026 Projects
Participating in Strictly has significantly boosted Lewis Cope’s profile beyond the soap world. In early 2026, he leveraged his new-found dancing skills to land a role in a high-profile West End revival, proving the “Strictly effect” is still very much alive.
In addition to his stage work, Lewis remains a frequent guest on British talk shows and has become a sought-after personality for fitness and lifestyle brand collaborations. His 2026 schedule includes several television pilots and a continued involvement with charity events centered around the arts and youth theater.
Practical Information and Viewing Guide
For fans who want to watch Lewis Cope’s Strictly journey or follow his 2026 activities, use this practical data guide.
Original Series: Strictly Come Dancing Series 23 (2025).
Where to Watch: Highlights and full routines are available on the BBC Strictly YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer.
Average Score: 34.8 (out of 40).
Final Rank: Eliminated in Week 9 (9th place).
2026 Appearances: Look for him in upcoming BBC drama guest slots and West End theater announcements.
Social Media: Follow him on Instagram (@lewiscope) for updates on his 2026 projects and dance clips.
FAQs
Did Lewis Cope win Strictly Come Dancing?
No, Lewis was eliminated in Week 9 of the 2025 series. The series was won by England footballer Karen Carney.
Who was Lewis Cope’s partner on Strictly?
He was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones.
How far did Lewis Cope get in the competition?
Lewis reached Week 9, also known as the “quarter-final lead-up,” before being eliminated after a dance-off against George Clarke.
Does Lewis Cope have previous dance experience?
Yes, Lewis trained in musical theater as a youth, which gave him a strong foundation in rhythm and performance that helped him excel in the ballroom.
What was Lewis Cope’s highest score?
His highest score was 38 (9, 10, 9, 10), which he achieved during a technical Argentine Tango in Week 8.
Is Lewis Cope still in Emmerdale in 2026?
As of April 2026, Lewis has taken a hiatus from Emmerdale to pursue theater and other television opportunities following his Strictly success.
Was Lewis Cope on the 2026 Strictly Tour?
Yes, he was a featured celebrity on the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, which ran from January to February 2026.
What was Lewis Cope’s first dance?
His first dance was a Jive to “Get Ready” by The Temptations, which earned 28 points.
Why was Lewis Cope eliminated?
In Week 9, Lewis found himself in the bottom two against George Clarke. Despite a strong performance, the judges voted to save George based on his technical improvement.
How old is Lewis Cope in 2026?
Born in 1995, Lewis is 30 years old as of early 2026.
Did Lewis Hamilton ever do Strictly Come Dancing?
No, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has never been a contestant on the show, though his name is frequently mentioned in “dream line-up” rumors.
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