Former Strictly Come Dancing favourite Lewis Cope has swiftly lined up his next major television role following his exit from the BBC dance competition. The actor, who captivated audiences with pro partner Katya Jones, is set to join the cast of an upcoming Channel 5 drama series titled Forever Home.
From the Dance Floor to a Deadly Drama
The 30-year-old, best known for playing Nicky Miligan in Emmerdale from 2022 to 2024, will appear in the six-part thriller based on a novel by Graham Norton. The story is set in a small Irish town and follows a woman named Carol, who believes she is settling into a new life with her partner. Her world is shattered when she discovers a body in her basement, revealing she is living with a killer.
Cope will be in esteemed company. The cast features Waterloo Road and Coronation Street legend Denise Welch, Downton Abbey actress Amy Nuttall, and Shetland lead Douglas Henshall. They are joined by Kevin Whately, James Baxter, Jenny Walser, and Shane Zaza. The series is scheduled to debut on Channel 5 later this year.
A Surprising Strictly Exit and Future Moves
This news comes just a month after Cope's unexpected elimination from Strictly Come Dancing 2025, where he and Katya Jones were considered frontrunners for much of the series. Their journey ended in Musicals Week after a tense dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
Head judge Shirley Ballas declared herself "speechless" at the result, with Motsi Mabuse's casting vote ultimately sending Amber and Nikita through to the semi-final. Fans and judges alike had expected the talented pair to progress further.
Beyond Forever Home, Cope has other projects in the pipeline. He recently announced on Instagram that he is working with the prestigious American production company FilmNation, behind films like Promising Young Woman. Furthermore, he and Katya Jones will reunite for a one-off dance workshop in his hometown of Hartlepool on Sunday 22nd February.
What's Next for the Rising Star?
Lewis Cope's career trajectory continues to ascend rapidly. His move from a popular soap to a national primetime entertainment show, and now to a primetime drama with a stellar cast, marks him as one to watch. The Forever Home role allows him to showcase his acting chops in a gripping, suspense-driven narrative, a significant step from his Emmerdale days.
With his Strictly popularity still high and new professional ventures being unveiled, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the actor. Audiences can next see him bringing mystery and intrigue to Channel 5 in this highly anticipated adaptation.
