Lewis Cope has been confirmed as Kristian Nairn’s replacement for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Emmerdale actor was announced as Strictly’s newest celebrity after Game of Thrones actor Kristian withdrew from the show on medical grounds.
His big reveal was unveiled during tonight’s episode of BBC’s The One Show. It came just hours after Kristian confirmed he had pulled out of the 2025 series.
Following the announcement, Lewis said: “I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”
Lewis has been announced as Kristian Nairn’s replacement (Credit: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Who is Lewis Cope?
Lewis Cope is a British actor who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He gained widespread recognition playing Nicky Milligan, the live‑in nanny in ITV’s long-running soap Emmerdale, a role he held from late 2022 into 2024.
For his role, he was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards, as well as Best Newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards.
Lewis’ other noteworthy roles include appearances in Vera and Doctors.
‘Never heard of him’
Following the quick announcement, fans of Strictly were left divided.
Some were relieved with the news, with one user sharing: “Amazing. He will be brilliant.”
Another echoed: “Lewis Cope joining #Strictly – another Emmerdale replacement! That’s mad and HUGE for him. So pleased for him.”
Meanwhile, some were less than impressed.
“Nope never heard of him,” one shared.
“#Strictly have replaced one person nobody’s ever heard of with another person nobody’s ever heard of,” another said.
“Who?” a third questioned.
Kristian’s Strictly exit
Just last week, Kristian Nairn was one of the final two celebrities to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. He described it as an “honour”.
The actor, from Northern Ireland, is best known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones. He portrayed the part for six seasons of the hugely successful TV show.
Kristian also portrayed Wee John Feeney on the HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death, and he is a professional music DJ. He was previously the resident DJ of Kremlin, a gay club in Belfast.
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