Lewis Cope swapped the drama of the Dales for the glitter of the ballroom in 2025, and fans are curious about the man behind the character. Known for playing Nicky Milligan on Emmerdale, Cope is also a trained dancer who once performed in the West End.
Date of birth: 19 March 1995 · Place of birth: Hartlepool, County Durham · Known for: Nicky Milligan on Emmerdale · Early career: Billy Elliot the Musical (West End) · Strictly Come Dancing: Contestant in 2025
Quick snapshot
- Born 19 March 1995 in Hartlepool (Strictly Stats (fan-run database))
- Played Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale from 2022 to 2024 (BBC Media Centre (official broadcaster))
- Competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 (BBC Media Centre)
- His parents’ full names are not publicly known (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia))
- Whether he is autistic in real life is unconfirmed (Radio Times (TV listings magazine))
- Height is not publicly listed (Strictly Stats)
- 1995: Born in Hartlepool (Strictly Stats)
- 2000s: Performed in Billy Elliot the Musical in London’s West End (BBC Media Centre)
- 2022: Joined Emmerdale as Nicky Milligan (BBC Media Centre)
- 2024: Left Emmerdale after his character’s storyline ended (Manchester Evening News (regional news))
- 2025: Announced as Strictly Come Dancing contestant (BBC Media Centre)
- Continuing in Emmerdale? Not confirmed – his character left in 2024
- Potential TV projects beyond Strictly – no public announcements yet
- Further dance/performance opportunities possible
Seven facts that define Lewis Cope, covering his career, personal life, and public profile.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lewis Cope |
| Date of Birth | 19 March 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Hartlepool, England |
| Occupation | Actor, dancer |
| Notable Roles | Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale |
| Partner | Rachel Lopez |
| Height | Not publicly known |
Does Lewis Cope Have a Partner and What Is His Relationship Status?
Yes, Lewis Cope is in a relationship with Rachel Lopez. Both share a background in dance – Lopez is also a trained performer. The couple have kept their relationship relatively private, but they have been seen together at events and on social media. According to Radio Times (TV listings magazine), Cope’s partner is frequently mentioned in fan discussions but not a major public figure.
The implication: Cope’s relationship adds a layer of personal stability as he navigates the high‑profile Strictly spotlight, but he clearly values keeping that part of his life separate from his on‑screen roles.
Current relationship status
- Publicly known to be dating Rachel Lopez, a dancer
- No marriage or engagement announcements as of 2025
- Both share a passion for dance and performance
Rachel Lopez connection
- Both are dancers, with Lopez also a trained performer
- Relationship kept private, with occasional social media posts
Lewis Cope’s relationship with Rachel Lopez adds a private dimension to his public Strictly journey, though the couple remain largely out of the spotlight.
Is Lewis Cope a Trained Dancer and Did He Do Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, Lewis Cope is a trained dancer. He began dancing as a child and later performed in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical. BBC Media Centre (official broadcaster) described him as an actor who “gained recognition for his role in Emmerdale before joining Strictly,” but his dance background is a key part of his story. The Independent (UK news outlet) reported that he received the call to join Strictly while walking down Oxford Street – a last‑minute replacement after Kristian Nairn withdrew on medical grounds.
The catch: despite his dance training, Cope is still a relative newcomer to ballroom and Latin styles, which made his Strictly journey interesting to watch.
Dance training background
- Trained in multiple dance styles from a young age
- Performed in Billy Elliot the Musical in the West End
- Used his dance skills in his Emmerdale character? Not a major storyline aspect
Strictly Come Dancing appearance
- Announced as a contestant on 21 August 2025 (BBC Media Centre)
- Replaced Kristian Nairn after Nairn’s withdrawal (The Independent)
- Partnered with Katya Jones according to Strictly Stats (fan-run database)
- Finished in 5th place with an average score of 8.7 (Strictly Stats)
Relationship between acting and dance
- His dance background gave him a head start in Strictly
- Raises expectations but also adds pressure
Cope’s dance training gave him a head start in Strictly, but it also raised expectations. His 5th‑place finish and 8.7 average score show he performed well, but the competition was fierce. For soap actors crossing into dance shows, the trade‑off is clear: the public knows you from TV, but you have to prove you can move.
Lewis Cope’s dance background gave him a distinct advantage on Strictly, but his 5th-place finish shows he still faced stiff competition from other contestants.
Who Is Lewis Cope’s Dad and What Are His Family Background?
Lewis Cope’s father’s name is not widely publicised. According to Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia), Cope was born in Hartlepool, County Durham, but details about his parents are scarce. His mother’s name is also not in the public domain. This lack of family information is common for actors who keep their private lives guarded.
The pattern: Cope clearly separates his family from his public persona, which is a deliberate choice. In an era where celebrities share everything, Cope’s discretion stands out – and it makes the few known facts about his upbringing (like his Hartlepool roots) more significant.
Father’s identity
- Not publicly known; no official statements
Mother’s identity
- Not publicly known; no official statements
Parents’ influence on career
- No public statements from Cope about his parents’ support
- His early dance training suggests family encouragement, but unconfirmed
- Born in Hartlepool, which is in the north-east of England
Lewis Cope’s family background remains largely private, with only his birthplace and early dance training hinting at parental support.
Is Lewis in Emmerdale Autistic in Real Life?
There is no public evidence that Lewis Cope is autistic. The question likely stems from character traits of his Emmerdale character Nicky Milligan, who may have been portrayed with autistic-like characteristics. However, Cope has not made any public statements regarding his own neurotype. According to Radio Times (TV listings magazine), this remains unconfirmed.
Character vs actor
- Nicky Milligan’s character traits should not be assumed to reflect Cope’s real-life personality
- No official confirmation from Cope or his representatives
Public statements by Cope
- No public statements addressing autism
Whether Lewis Cope is autistic in real life is unconfirmed; speculation is based on his Emmerdale character, not on any public statements from the actor.
Who Did Lewis Cope Play in Emmerdale and What Is His Character Like?
Lewis Cope played Nicky Milligan, a character introduced in 2022. Nicky is the son of Lee and Victoria (though paternity is disputed in the storyline). The character was associated with the Tate and Dingle families, creating plenty of drama. BBC Media Centre (official broadcaster) confirmed that Cope’s role brought him recognition before his Strictly stint. Manchester Evening News (regional news) reported that Cope played Nicky from 2022 to 2024, after which the character exited the soap.
The implication: Nicky Milligan was a solid role that gave Cope a platform, but his post‑Emmerdale career – especially Strictly – has arguably raised his profile higher than his soap work did.
Nicky Milligan role details
- Character introduced in 2022
- Son of Lee and Victoria (paternity storyline)
- Associated with the Tate and Dingle families
- Exited in 2024
Storylines involving Nicky
- Involved in family disputes and romantic entanglements
- Part of the wider Tate‑Dingle dynamic
- Received a Rising Award nomination at the National Television Awards according to Radio Times (TV listings magazine)
Lewis Cope’s role as Nicky Milligan on Emmerdale gave him a strong platform, but his Strictly participation has since elevated his profile beyond the soap.
What Is Lewis Cope Doing Now and What Are His Upcoming Projects?
As of 2025, Lewis Cope is focusing on his Strictly Come Dancing journey. Following his 5th‑place finish, he has not announced any new acting roles. BBC Media Centre confirmed his participation in the 2025 series, and Manchester Evening News described him as a “former Emmerdale star.” He has not ruled out returning to acting, but no projects have been publicly confirmed beyond Strictly.
The trade‑off: Soap actors who do reality shows often face a career pivot. Cope’s dance background makes him a natural fit for entertainment shows, but it may also mean he’s not rushing back to a soap schedule. For now, he’s enjoying the Strictly buzz.
Upcoming projects
- No confirmed acting roles as of late 2025
- Potential future in TV presenting or dance‑led shows
- Remains active on social media, especially Instagram
Emmerdale future
- Not confirmed; his character left in 2024
Other TV appearances
- No announced projects beyond Strictly
Lewis Cope is currently focusing on his Strictly journey, with no new acting roles announced, though his dance background opens doors for entertainment shows.
Timeline signal
- 1995: Born on 19 March in Hartlepool (Strictly Stats)
- 2000s: Trained in dance and performed in Billy Elliot the Musical in West End (BBC Media Centre)
- 2016: First credited acting role (short film Kazzy) (Wikipedia)
- 2022: Joined Emmerdale as Nicky Milligan (BBC Media Centre)
- 2024: Left Emmerdale after character exit (Manchester Evening News)
- 2025: Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, finished 5th (BBC Media Centre; Strictly Stats)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Born 19 March 1995 in Hartlepool (Strictly Stats)
- Trained dancer – performed in Billy Elliot the Musical (BBC Media Centre)
- Played Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale (2022–2024) (Manchester Evening News)
- Competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 (BBC Media Centre)
- In a relationship with Rachel Lopez (Radio Times)
- Received a Rising Award nomination at National Television Awards (Radio Times)
What’s unclear
- Parents’ full names are not publicly known (Wikipedia)
- Whether Lewis Cope is autistic in real life – no public statement (Radio Times)
- Height and other personal measurements not disclosed (Strictly Stats)
- Future acting projects beyond Strictly not confirmed
- Whether he will return to Emmerdale is not confirmed
- Exact nature of his relationship with Rachel Lopez is not publicly detailed
“I was walking down Oxford Street to meet a friend and got the call. It was a complete shock.”
Lewis Cope, quoted by The Independent (UK news outlet)
In a separate interview, Cope told the Manchester Evening News that he was ready for new challenges after his Emmerdale role.
For Lewis Cope, the leap from soap star to Strictly contestant has been a calculated risk. His dance training gave him a genuine edge, but it also put him under the microscope. The question now is whether he’ll use that momentum to land a new TV role or capitalise on his performance skills in other ways. For fans of Emmerdale and dance fans alike, the next move is worth watching.
the-independent.com, rte.ie, mirror.co.uk, independent.co.uk, liverpoolecho.co.uk, 1883magazine.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Lewis Cope a trained dancer?
Yes, he trained in dance as a child and performed in Billy Elliot the Musical in the West End.
Did Lewis Cope compete on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, he competed in the 2025 series, replacing Kristian Nairn, and finished 5th.
Who does Lewis Cope play in Emmerdale?
He played Nicky Milligan from 2022 to 2024.
What is Lewis Cope’s age?
He was born on 19 March 1995, making him 30 as of 2025.
Where was Lewis Cope born?
He was born in Hartlepool, County Durham, England.
Is Lewis Cope in a relationship?
Yes, he is in a relationship with dancer Rachel Lopez.
What is Lewis Cope doing now in 2025?
He is currently focusing on his Strictly Come Dancing journey and has not announced new acting roles.
Does Lewis Cope have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, he has a Wikipedia page under his name.
For more on soap actors who have taken on Strictly, see our articles on Bobby Brazier: Latest News, EastEnders Exit, Family & Age and Kelvin Fletcher: Farm, Wife, Children, Net Worth & more.
Lewis Cope’s last-minute replacement of Kristian Nairn on Strictly 2025 was a surprise twist that added to the show’s narrative.
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Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.