EMMERDALE hunk Lewis Cope has been confirmed as the new contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 – being drafted in at the last minute.
The star was announced on The One Show tonight, making an appearance after an 11th hour casting following the exit of Game of Thrones star, Kristian Nairn.
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The 20-year-old from Hartlepool, County Durham, played Nicky Milligan on the ITV soap from 2022 to 2024.
The character was the secret son of Caleb Miligan, and the grandson of Faith Dingle and Frank Tate.
Nairn, famed for playing Hodor on Game of Thrones, was confirmed to be leaving the show today on medical grounds.
He said in his official statement: “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.
“Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”
The 49-year-old actor later took to social media with a video, explaining that his vitals had spiked due a combination of stress and grief.
Apologising to fans, he explained that doctors had advised he withdraw from the show so he could get back to normal.
He is now under treatment expected to make a full recovery, with Nairn adding that the doctors didn’t see the spike as a major concern.
“I’m not going to have time for the show – I’m not going to have time for the training,” he said.
“I also don’t want to leave them, you and my other contestants hanging, that’s not really fair.”
Kristian admitted he was “gutted” to be out saying he spent months preparing and “looking forward to taking part”.
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But he thanked Strictly bosses for their “understanding” and support.
“So, let’s see what happens when I get sorted. I’m gonna be taking it easy for now and I’ll be able to return to work very shortly,” he continued.
“It’s always been my honour to, in some way and my weird way, to just to be… just to show that I’m from Northern Ireland.
“I’m very proud and I’m sorry I’ve let you down in any way. But I’ll continue to do my best.”
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said of the exit: “We’ve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he has all the makings of a brilliant Strictly Come Dancing contestant.
“We’re incredibly sorry to lose him from this year’s series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Strictly Come Dancing kicks off next month on BBC One.
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