Lewis Strictly Come Dancing journey captured the hearts of millions during the 2025 series. The former Emmerdale actor partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones and quickly became a fan favourite. Therefore, his unexpected quarter-final exit left viewers shocked and disappointed.
The actor swapped the Dales for the dancefloor and proved himself a natural performer. As a result, Lewis Cope has continued his Strictly journey on the live tour and beyond.
Who Is Lewis Cope?
Lewis Cope is a British actor best known for his role as Nicky Miligan on ITV’s Emmerdale. He joined the soap in 2022 and departed in 2024. Therefore, he was already a familiar face to millions before joining Strictly.
The Hartlepool-born actor has described his time on Emmerdale as invaluable experience. Moreover, his dramatic storylines on the show prepared him for the intensity of live television. As a result, Lewis Cope brought both performance skills and resilience to the ballroom.
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Lewis Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Journey
Lewis Cope partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The pair impressed judges and viewers week after week. Therefore, they were tipped as potential champions.
Their chemistry and dance ability made them standouts in a competitive field. Moreover, Katya Jones is known for her bold choreography and creative storytelling. As a result, their routines were among the most anticipated each week[citation:9].
The partnership captured the attention of millions during the 2025 series. They quickly became fan favourites thanks to their chemistry, charisma and thrilling performances week after week[citation:9]. Therefore, Lewis Cope’s Strictly journey was one of the most memorable of the series.
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Perfect 40 for Charleston to Arctic Monkeys
One of Lewis Cope’s standout moments came during the Blackpool special. He scored a perfect 40 for his Charleston with Katya Jones, set to the Arctic Monkeys hit I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor[citation:3]. Therefore, he joined an elite group of contestants who have achieved a perfect score.
The performance was energetic, technically brilliant and full of personality. Moreover, the judges were unanimous in their praise. As a result, the Charleston became one of the most talked-about routines of the series.
Craig Revel Horwood hinted at the possibility of Lewis and Katya’s future success after the Blackpool special. The judge took to social media with a cryptic post praising the dance[citation:3]. Therefore, expectations were high for the pair going forward.
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Shock Quarter-Final Exit
Despite being tipped to lift the Glitterball trophy, Lewis and Katya were eliminated during the quarter-final stage. They landed in the dreaded dance-off for the first time against eventual finalists Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin[citation:2]. Therefore, their departure came as a major shock.
Fans were left heartbroken when Lewis departed the competition against close friend Amber[citation:6]. The pair had been strong contenders throughout the series. As a result, many viewers felt they deserved to reach the final.
Lewis took the exit in good grace and remained positive about his experience. He and Katya later returned for the final to perform one last group number with the class of 2025[citation:8]. Therefore, his Strictly journey ended on a high note despite the early exit.
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Couple’s Choice to Creep: A Fan Favourite
Another highlight of Lewis Cope’s Strictly journey was his Couple’s Choice routine to Radiohead’s Creep. Many Strictly fans claimed this was one of the best routines ever seen on the hit programme[citation:7]. Therefore, it cemented his status as a standout performer.
The performance was emotional, powerful and technically demanding. Moreover, it showcased both Lewis’s dance ability and his acting skills. As a result, the routine earned perfect scores from all three judges on the live tour[citation:4][citation:7].
The Couple’s Choice became a signature routine for the pair. Many fans still discuss it as one of the series’ defining moments. Therefore, Lewis Cope’s interpretation of Creep will be remembered by Strictly viewers for years to come.
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Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026 Tour
Following their success on the show, Lewis and Katya joined the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026 tour. The tour kicked off at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 23[citation:1]. Therefore, fans who missed them on television could see them perform live.
They were announced to join the string of live shows alongside George Clarke and Alexis Warr, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley, and returning star Layton Williams[citation:1][citation:5]. Moreover, they performed alongside series couples including Vicky Pattison, Ellie Goldstein and Harry Aikines-Aryeety. As a result, the tour featured a strong line-up of fan favourites.
For more information about the Strictly live tour, visit the BBC’s official Strictly Come Dancing page.
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Tour Victory in Newcastle
Lewis Cope achieved a notable victory on the Strictly tour in his home region. He was crowned the opening night champion at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena[citation:4][citation:7]. Therefore, performing in front of a home crowd added extra significance to his win.
He was the only star on the night to achieve a perfect score, earning 10s for both his Charleston and his Couple’s Choice routine[citation:7]. Moreover, he competed against fellow North East stars Vicky Pattison and La Voix. As a result, it was a battle of local talent on Tyneside.
Lewis had already secured one victory during the Birmingham dates of the tour. George Clarke won four out of five dates in the Midlands, while Lewis claimed one victory there as well[citation:4]. Therefore, his success on the tour was well-deserved.
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New Acting Role: Forever Home on Channel 5
Lewis Cope has seen work offers come “flooding in” since appearing on Strictly[citation:1][citation:8]. His next acting role has now been revealed. Therefore, his career momentum continues to build.
He is among the star-studded cast set to appear in an adaptation of the best-selling novel by Graham Norton. The six-part series, Forever Home, has been commissioned by Channel 5 and is based on the thriller novel of the same name[citation:1]. As a result, Lewis Cope will showcase his acting talents in a dramatic new genre.
The story is set in a small Irish town and follows Carol Crottie, a divorcee living with her new partner, who discovers a long-dead body hidden in the basement of their home. She realises she is living with a killer. Therefore, the series promises suspense and intrigue.
Lewis will appear alongside Loose Women star Denise Welch and Heartstopper actress Jenny Walser. The Marlow Murder Club actress Samantha Bond is also part of the cast, as are Douglas Henshall and Amy Nuttall[citation:1]. Consequently, the production has assembled an impressive ensemble.
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Lewis Cope Girlfriend and Personal Life
Lewis Cope has a girlfriend named Rachel Lopez. The couple has shared several dance videos on social media, taking on viral dance trends[citation:2]. Therefore, his love of dancing extends beyond the Strictly ballroom.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to their dance content. Comments have included “Keep dancing, it suits you soooo well” and demands to “Please do more”[citation:2]. As a result, Lewis continues to engage with his audience through social media.
His relationship with Rachel appears strong and supportive. The couple clearly enjoys dancing together. Therefore, Lewis Cope’s personal life adds another dimension to his public persona.
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Katya Jones Partnership and Future Plans
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones have remained good friends since the show ended. They have been seen reuniting on several occasions, including Lewis’s recent birthday[citation:2]. Therefore, their partnership extends beyond the competition.
Katya has teased that “something” could be on the cards for the pair. Alongside a selfie on Instagram, she wrote: “And there’s another little something brewing up from us”[citation:2]. As a result, fans are speculating about future collaborations.
Lewis reshared the post with the eyes emoji, adding to the intrigue. The pair recently reunited to support Johannes Radebe’s West End debut in Kinky Boots The Musical[citation:2]. Therefore, their friendship and professional connection remain strong.
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Dance Workshop in Inverness
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones are set to host a dance workshop in Inverness. The event will take place at the Drumossie Hotel on April 17, 2026[citation:9]. Therefore, fans will have the opportunity to learn from the Strictly stars directly.
The workshop will be followed by a Q&A session. It raises funds for Strictly Inverness 2026, which supports Inverness Ice Centre and the Highland Hospice[citation:9]. As a result, the event combines entertainment with charitable giving.
Organiser Karen McBey described it as “a great chance for people to enjoy learning from the stars and finish the Easter holidays in style.” The workshop is open to all ages and abilities[citation:9]. Therefore, it is a true community event.
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What’s Next for Lewis Cope
Lewis Cope’s career continues to flourish after Strictly. Between acting roles, dance projects and public appearances, he remains busy. Therefore, his future looks bright.
He has expressed gratitude for the opportunities Strictly has brought. He said: “I swapped the Dales for the dancefloor to take part in Strictly Come Dancing and I’m not ready to hang up my dancing shoes just yet”[citation:6]. As a result, fans can expect to see more of Lewis Cope in the coming years.
Whether through television acting, live dance performances or other ventures, he has built a strong foundation. His talent and charisma will serve him well. Therefore, Lewis Cope is a name to watch in British entertainment.
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Conclusion
Lewis Cope’s Strictly Come Dancing journey was one of the standout stories of the 2025 series. From a perfect 40 Charleston to a shock quarter-final exit, his time on the show was unforgettable. Therefore, he remains a beloved figure among Strictly fans.
With the live tour, a new acting role and future projects on the horizon, his career continues to ascend. Consequently, Lewis Cope has successfully transitioned from soap star to all-round entertainer.
For those who watched him shine on the ballroom floor, his journey is far from over. As a result, Lewis Cope will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
FAQs
Who was Lewis Cope’s Strictly partner?
He was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones.
How far did Lewis Cope get on Strictly?
He reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated.
What soap was Lewis Cope in?
He played Nicky Miligan on Emmerdale from 2022 to 2024.
Did Lewis Cope get a perfect score?
Yes, he scored 40 for his Charleston in Blackpool.
Is Lewis Cope on the Strictly tour?
Yes, he joined the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026 tour.
What is Lewis Cope’s next acting role?
He will appear in Forever Home on Channel 5, adapted from Graham Norton’s novel.
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