HEARTWARMING: Emmerdale Star Lewis Cope Shares SINCERE MESSAGE and REVEALS When He Was Invited to Join Strictly, Leaving Viewers in Awe

Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has been announced as a new addition to the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up.

The actor, renowned for his role as Nicky Milligan in the popular ITV soap, was revealed as a participant in the BBC dance series on Thursday’s episode of The One Show.

This announcement follows actor Kristian Nairn’s unfortunate withdrawal from the show due to health issues, with Lewis stepping in to fill the vacancy.

The news was unveiled on Thursday’s The One Show, where hosts Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo welcomed Lewis into the studio.

Lewis, also known for his role in Vera, shared that he was out with a friend when he received an unexpected call from BBC executives inviting him to join Strictly Come Dancing on Monday. He immediately agreed to participate, reports Devon Live.

Emmerdale favourite Lewis Cope has joined the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up (Image: ITV)
When asked about his late entry into the line-up, Lewis responded: “I think if anything it’s probably helped me, because I haven’t really had time to think about it or anything. The excitement has kind of just taken over. It’s probably better for me.”

Clara, aged 41, quickly highlighted Lewis’ previous dance experience. She noted: “Now, you have done a little bit of dancing in your past..

“We’ve got a picture of you from a few years ago… here you are in Billy Elliot!” A photograph of Lewis performing in Billy Elliot the musical was then displayed on screen.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Strictly Come Dancing, Lewis said: “I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”.

Lewis is best recognised for his role as Nicky on Emmerdale from 2022 to 2024. Besides Emmerdale, he has also featured in ITV’s Vera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates and Hetty Feather.

Meanwhile host Clara, 41, was quick to point out Lewis’ past dance experience (Image: BBC)
This follows Kristian, known for his role as Hodor in Game of Thrones, who issued a statement on Thursday confirming his departure from Strictly due to “unexpected medical reasons”.

In an emotional statement, the actor expressed: “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons.

“I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor. “.

He concluded: “Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”