(Image: PA)
North East-born Lewis Cope has gone from the West End stage to TV screens and arena tours in his career, but it all began in the North East.
The actor and dancer, born in 1995, first found fame at just 13-years-old when he played Michael in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
What began as a childhood passion has since grown into a career spanning theatre, television, and national tours.
Mr Cope got his start in dance almost by chance but quickly discovered a natural talent and drive for performing.
He joined Ruff Diamond, a dance group made up of young boys from Hartlepool, and together they reached the final of Sky One’s Got to Dance in 2013, finishing as runners-up.
Despite his early achievements, he later spoke about periods of self-doubt and even considered giving up on performing.
Mr Cope went on to train at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, building a career that would eventually take him to national television.
He landed roles in popular shows such as Doctors and Vera, but it was his part in Emmerdale that brought him into the homes of millions.
In 2022, he joined the long-running ITV soap as Nicky Miligan, who quickly became central to a major story.
The character was later revealed to be the son of Caleb Miligan, played by Will Ash, and connected to the powerful Tate family.
Mr Cope later admitted the twist came as a surprise, saying he initially thought the character was simply a love interest for Gabby Thomas.
Nicky remained on the show until 2024, marking a two-year stint in one of Britain’s most-watched dramas.
His next big break came when he was unexpectedly called to join the 2025 cast of Strictly Come Dancing, stepping in after actor Kristian Nairn withdrew from the competition.
Lewis Cope and Katya (Image: Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA)
He was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones and went on to appear in the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing Live tour, performing to audiences across the UK.
The tour included a stop at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena in January 2026, offering a homecoming of sorts for the Hartlepool-born performer.
Mr Cope also returned to the North East for his latest television project, a role in Channel 5’s six-part drama Forever Home, based on Graham Norton’s novel of the same name.
The series was filmed in Northumberland and gave Mr Cope the opportunity to work close to home and spend time with family.
He said it was "so nice being back in the north-east filming" and that he enjoyed being able to "pop home and see his family" during production.
Mr Cope stars as Kaden Barrie in the drama, the son of Douglas Henshall’s character Robert Barrie.
The series follows a family caught in a long-buried mystery involving a missing first wife and a body discovered in the basement of their home.
His co-stars include Douglas Henshall, Amy Nuttall, Denise Welch, and Kevin Whately.
Cope often shares updates with his fans on Instagram from posing pics, holiday snaps, new projects and dance videos.
Mr Cope’s journey from a young performer in Hartlepool to the West End, Emmerdale, and national television has been marked by talent, perseverance, and a strong connection to his roots.