Strictly Come Dancing confirms Emmerdale actor as new contestant after star quits

Actor Lewis Cope has officially been confirmed for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

The Emmerdale favourite will be stepping in for DJ and actor Kristian Nairn on the BBC One dance competition after he was forced to withdraw due to medical reasons.

Lewis will be joining fellow celebrities including Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, Chris Robshaw and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on the forthcoming series, set to kick off in September.

The announcement was made during Thursday’s (21 August) edition of The One Show, where presenters Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo welcomed Lewis into the studio as he expressed his delight at joining the programme.

Lewis Cope has joined the Strictly Come Dancing line-up (Image: BBC)

The Vera actor disclosed that he was socialising with a mate when BBC executives rang him on Monday about participating in Strictly, and he immediately accepted the opportunity, reports Devon Live.

When questioned about being a last-minute addition to the roster, Lewis commented: “I think if anything it’s 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.”

Lewis went on to share his eagerness to wow head judge Shirley Ballas on the BBC programme and expressed his desire to be matched with a professional dancer who will “push” him.

Television viewers will know Lewis as Nicky Milligan from ITV’s Emmerdale, though he’s also featured in ITV’s Vera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates and Hetty Feather. He’s additionally graced the stage in theatrical productions, notably the West End’s Billy Elliot: The Musical.

Lewis played Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

Kristian, renowned for his role in Game of Thrones, issued a statement on Thursday announcing his departure from Strictly due to “unexpected medical reasons”.

In an emotional announcement, the actor revealed: “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 wrapped up his message by stating: “Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”

The One Show airs on weekdays on BBC One at 7pm. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on 20 September.