Lewis Cope is an English actor and dancer from Hartlepool, County Durham, whose career began on the West End stage and led him to major television roles in Emmerdale and Strictly Come Dancing. Born on 19 March 1995, he is best known for playing Nicky Milligan on the ITV soap and for his appearance on the BBC’s flagship dance competition.
Cope’s journey from a child performer in Billy Elliot: The Musical to a prime-time television regular has drawn increasing public attention. Interest in his personal background, including his family and relationship status, grew significantly after his Strictly debut in 2024.
The actor continues to build his profile with upcoming projects on Channel 5 and remains one of the more intriguing figures to emerge from the soap opera circuit in recent years.
Who Is Lewis Cope?
Lewis Cope is a 31-year-old English performer who rose to prominence through stage and screen. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and has developed a career that spans musical theatre, soap opera, and reality competition television.
Key insights
- Began his career at age 11 in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
- Gained mainstream fame as Nicky Milligan on ITV’s Emmerdale (2022–present).
- Competed in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2024.
- Upcoming lead role in Channel 5 drama Forever Home (2026).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 19 March 1995 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 years old |
| Place of Birth | Hartlepool, County Durham |
| Occupation | Actor, Dancer |
| Notable Role | Nicky Milligan in Emmerdale |
| TV Debut | Child actor in Billy Elliot (West End) |
| Upcoming Work | Forever Home (Channel 5, 2026) |
| Agent | InterTalent Group |
Who Are Lewis Cope’s Parents and Family?
Lewis Cope grew up in Hartlepool as one of fourteen children. He has thirteen siblings, a fact frequently noted in media coverage of his life. His mother is named Dee, and his father worked as a boxing coach. One report also mentions that his grandfather was a miner.
The size of his family attracted attention during his Strictly Come Dancing run, with several outlets reporting on the large support network behind him. Cope has spoken warmly about his upbringing and the close bonds within his family.
Cope is one of 14 children and has 13 siblings. Reports consistently describe him as coming from a large family in Hartlepool. He has a close relationship with his mother Dee, while less is publicly known about his father.
Does Lewis Cope Have Siblings?
Yes, reports consistently describe him as having 13 siblings, making him one of 14 children. Coverage from multiple outlets, including the Independent and the Daily Mail, confirms this. He also has many nieces and nephews.
What Is Lewis Cope Famous For?
Lewis Cope is best known for his role as Nicky Milligan on ITV’s Emmerdale, which he joined in 2022. The character, a manipulative and calculating figure, earned him a strong following. He performed on the soap until 2024.
In 2024, he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones. His participation in the show significantly raised his national profile, drawing interest from a wider audience.
What Was Lewis Cope’s Role in Emmerdale?
He played Nicky Milligan, a character introduced as a love interest for Gabby Thomas and later revealed to be involved in a scheme against the Dingles. The role allowed him to explore complex dramatic material across multiple storylines.
Cope’s appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 marked a major career moment. The show paired him with Katya Jones, and his journey on the dance floor attracted significant media attention and audience support.
Was Lewis Cope on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, he competed on the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC’s official profile confirmed his participation and highlighted his background in musical theatre and dance. His elimination made headlines, with many noting the support from his large family.
His performances included ballroom and Latin routines, and he received generally favourable reviews from the judges. The show provided a major platform for introducing himself to viewers unfamiliar with his soap work.
Who Is Lewis Cope’s Partner?
Reports indicate that Lewis Cope is in a long-term relationship with a woman named Rachel Lopez, also written as Racheal Lopez or Rachel Maya Lopez in some sources. She is described as an actress and Pilates instructor, with one outlet also listing her as an acupuncture student.
There is some variation in the spelling of her name across different publications, but the same person appears to be referenced. She has been seen supporting Cope at events and is often mentioned in coverage of his personal life.
The identity spelling of Cope’s partner varies across reports. Her name appears as Rachel Lopez, Racheal Lopez, or Rachel Maya Lopez in different sources. She is consistently described as an actress and Pilates instructor, and her presence is acknowledged in coverage.
What Upcoming Projects Does Lewis Cope Have?
Cope is set to star in the Channel 5 drama Forever Home, expected to air in 2026. The series is a significant step in his career, offering a lead role outside of soap opera. His talent agency, InterTalent Group, lists this project as a key upcoming credit.
Beyond this, his future plans may include further television work, stage returns, or dance-related projects. At the time of writing, no additional projects have been officially announced.
Lewis Cope Career Timeline
- 1995: Born on 19 March in Hartlepool.
- c. 2006: Begins career as child actor in West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
- 2016: Appears in short film Kazzy.
- 2022: Joins cast of ITV’s Emmerdale as Nicky Milligan.
- 2024: Competes on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
- 2026: To star as Kaden Barrie in Channel 5’s Forever Home.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born on 19 March 1995 in Hartlepool. | The identity of Cope’s current romantic partner is not publicly confirmed at the time of writing. |
| Played Nicky Milligan on Emmerdale. | Details about his father are not widely published; sources focus on his mother. |
| Competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. | His net worth is not publicly disclosed. |
| Will appear in Forever Home (2026). | Exact timing of his Billy Elliot debut is recorded differently by various sources (age 11 vs. 13). |
Context: Lewis Cope’s Career in Perspective
Lewis Cope represents a new generation of British actors transitioning from stage musicals to long-running TV dramas and popular dance shows. His career trajectory mirrors that of many UK performers who leverage national television exposure — through Emmerdale and Strictly Come Dancing — to build mainstream recognition before expanding into leading dramatic roles.
Interest in Cope increased significantly after his 2024 Strictly Come Dancing appearance, prompting audiences to search for details about his age, family, and relationship status. His large family, in particular, became a talking point during the show’s run.
As he moves into projects like Forever Home, Cope is positioned to continue developing a career that draws on both his performance training and the public platform provided by reality television.
Sources and Key References
Lewis Cope is a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. He is known for playing Nicky Milligan on ITV’s Emmerdale.
— BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile
Lewis Cope (born 19 March 1995) is an English actor, known for his roles on television and stage.
— Wikipedia
Lewis Cope is represented by InterTalent Group. Upcoming credit: Forever Home (Channel 5, 2026).
— InterTalent Group Agency Profile
Summary of Lewis Cope’s Biography
Lewis Cope is an English actor and dancer born on 19 March 1995 in Hartlepool. He first gained attention as a child performer in Billy Elliot: The Musical on the West End before taking on the role of Nicky Milligan on Emmerdale. His 2024 appearance on Strictly Come Dancing broadened his audience. He has 13 siblings and remains in a long-term relationship. His upcoming project, Forever Home, is scheduled for 2026 on Channel 5. For more on other performers, read the Colin Salmon – Biography, Age, Wife and EastEnders Role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis Cope
What is Lewis Cope’s net worth?
Lewis Cope’s net worth is not publicly disclosed.
Is Lewis Cope married?
There is no public confirmation that Lewis Cope is married.
Does Lewis Cope have Instagram?
Yes, his Instagram handle is @lewiscope.
What character does Lewis Cope play in Emmerdale?
He plays Nicky Milligan.
When did Lewis Cope start acting?
He began as a child actor in Billy Elliot the Musical in London’s West End.
Who was Lewis Cope’s partner on Strictly Come Dancing?
He was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones.
Where is Lewis Cope from?
He is from Hartlepool, County Durham, England.
Does Lewis Cope have a girlfriend?
Reports suggest he is in a relationship with Rachel Lopez, an actress and Pilates instructor, though this is not officially confirmed.
What is Lewis Cope’s age?
He was born on 19 March 1995, making him 31 as of 2026.
What is Lewis Cope’s next project?
He will star in Channel 5’s Forever Home in 2026.
Jack Sutton is Senior Reporter at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering breaking regional news, councils, transport, business and community stories across the UK.