“Ex-Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has shared details about his whirlwind journey on Strictly Come Dancing.”
Actor Lewis Cope has admitted he “never imagined” making it to Blackpool after his whirlwind start on Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Emmerdale star joined the hit dance show later than most this year, having not been included in the original line-up announced by the BBC in August ahead of the 2025 series launch in September.
Lewis, who played Nicky Milligan on the ITV soap from 2022 to 2024, was brought in after Kristian Nairn had to withdraw from the upcoming series, just weeks before it was set to begin.
Since joining, Lewis and his professional partner Katya have become one of the competition’s standout couples, earning the first perfect score of 40 during Halloween week with their electrifying couple’s choice routine to Radiohead’s Creep.
Last weekend, Lewis and Katya’s Tango to 12 to 12 by Sombr secured their place in week nine of the BBC One dance competition. This coincides with the show’s beloved Blackpool special, where cast and crew head north to perform live from the iconic Tower Ballroom.
Ahead of their performance, Lewis and Katya spoke exclusively to the Manchester Evening News about rehearsals. “The rehearsals have been brilliant,” Lewis said. “Obviously, being in Blackpool, we’ve got extra dancers. It’s my first time dancing with more than just Katya — there are six additional dancers in the routine, so there are eight of us in total.”
Katya asked: “Do you feel like you have to ramp up your energy with them?” Lewis replied: “Yeah, because there are all these professional dancers around me. I didn’t want to look silly, so I tried to match their energy. I didn’t want to stand out for the wrong reason. But yesterday was great, wasn’t it? It was nice to feel that buzz in the room.”
Although he has visited Blackpool before, this experience feels different. Lewis explained: “I’ve been a couple of times when I was younger, but it feels very different now — coming here for such a big moment, such a major event. I’ve never been to the Tower Ballroom before, and I didn’t even know it existed. Once I saw it, it was breathtaking, and I can’t wait to get in there and soak up the energy.”
For Katya, Blackpool is familiar territory, not just because of Strictly. She has spent much of her competitive dance career taking part in — and winning — competitions in the seaside town.
“What’s really lovely is seeing how much the town has changed over the 20 years I’ve been coming here. It’s really, really lovely,” she said.
Speaking about her celebrity partner, Katya added: “I want them to experience it the way we do. At this stage in the competition, they’re no longer just contestants — they’re our dance partners.” Turning to Lewis, she said: “Do you remember the first time we danced? It felt so alien and awkward. Now, we go straight into the ballroom hold. We’ve really gelled as partners. I want you, historically, to understand what this means to us, why it’s such a tradition, and the buzz it brings to the North — to Blackpool and its people. Every cab driver talks about it. Strictly Come Dancing brings so much to Blackpool.”
Lewis admitted he hadn’t thought too far ahead in the competition. “Honestly, I never thought this far ahead,” he said. “The training is so intense and relentless. The show completely consumes you in the best way, but I’ve never really thought this far ahead. It’s like I blinked, and suddenly I’m in Blackpool.”
“I do feel like we’ve achieved something massive just to get here. It feels like a big milestone,” he continued. “Every week is an achievement, but this feels elevated — like the first major milestone on the show. It feels much bigger than just dancing or one celebrity with one professional partner. It brings purpose and joy to people’s lives. My friends and family would say, ‘I never thought my Saturday nights would look like this!’”
“But they love it, and now they wouldn’t change it for the world because it’s bringing their family together. Suddenly, they’re all sitting at home with their loved ones across different generations, and it brings people together,” Katya said.
Last weekend saw a dramatic shake-up on the leaderboard, with Vicky Pattison dropping to the bottom after topping the scores the previous week, ultimately leading to her exit from the competition.
“At this stage, the competition is so tight, especially with people leaving each week. It’s important to remember that no one is guaranteed to stay through — viewers need to support their favourites,” Katya explained. “For us, we’ve just been focusing on giving the best performance we can each night. That’s all we can control.”
Lewis and Katya also took a moment to thank the fans who have supported them so far — and they hope that support continues.
“Honestly, without the love and support from others, no one can really perform at their best. I’m so grateful to everyone who has voted for us to get this far. Dancing brings me so much joy,” Lewis said.
“Obviously, if I wasn’t on the show, I wouldn’t be dancing. Without it, life might be a bit duller. So, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has voted for me and for us, helping us stay in the competition, keep dancing, and bring joy.”
- Two I’m A Celebrity contestants have been sent packing from the jungle following a shock double elimination twist.
- General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison Shares Behind-the-Scenes Christmas Movie Photos
- General Hospital Spoilers: Joss Struggles After Vaughn Vanishes – Will Someone Intervene in Time?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Trina Confronts Portia About Pregnancy Secret – Does Isaiah Overhear?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Is Britt Still Hurt Over Jason Picking Carly, or Is She Just Looking Out for Him?
