Lewis Cope's Childhood and Strictly Journey
Actor Lewis Cope, known for his role in Emmerdale, recently participated in Strictly Come Dancing, where his elimination sparked debate among fans who felt it was a "robbery." Cope, who grew up with a remarkable 13 siblings in a household described as a "constant circle of moving feet, of laughter and mischievousness," drew parallels between his childhood and the film Home Alone, noting the chaotic yet loving environment. His mother is particularly lauded for her dedication in raising 14 children on her own, a feat Cope often speaks of with admiration.
Cope's journey into performing began at a young age, including a role in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical alongside Tom Holland. He also competed in the dance competition Got to Dance as part of the hip-hop troupe Ruff Diamond, finishing as a runner-up. Prior to Strictly, he starred as Nicky Miligan in Emmerdale from 2022 to 2024.
On Strictly Come Dancing, Cope was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones and made a strong impression, even achieving the season's first perfect score of 40 during the Halloween special. Despite his consistent high performances, he was eliminated in week 11 after facing Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin in the dance-off. This exit led to significant backlash from some viewers who believed Cope, despite his professional dance background, was unfairly judged or that the public vote played a larger role. Cope himself has downplayed his prior experience, stating he "wasn't good enough" for the Billy Elliot role and that his dance background did not necessarily translate to an advantage on Strictly. His professional partner, Katya Jones, and even his girlfriend, Rachel Lopez, have expressed immense pride in his Strictly journey.