Lewis Cope for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 / BBC
Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has been announced as the replacement for Kristian Nairn on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The actor was forced to withdraw from the show earlier today, citing “unexpected medical reasons” which have prevented him from continuing with his training.
Taking his spot in the 15-strong celebrity lineup is 30-year-old Cope, who played Nicky Miligan in the Dales from 2022 to 2024.
“I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dancefloor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”
The Strictly Come Dancing launch show will air on BBC One on Saturday, September 20, with the first live show following a week later.
