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Lewis-Strictly: Actor Lewis Cope Navigates Advantage Debate After Sudden Ballroom Entry By BBC Entertainment Correspondent Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has become one of the early talking points of the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing, following his unexpected, last-minute inclusion in the celebrity line-up. Cope, who replaced the medically withdrawn Kristian Nairn just weeks before the show’s premiere, has quickly distinguished himself as a frontrunner alongside professional partner Katya Jones. However, his strong initial performances have ignited a familiar debate among fans and dance professionals regarding the boundaries of prior experience in the BBC One competition. The actor, best known for playing Nicky Milligan in the ITV soap until 2024, stepped into the highly coveted competition slot after Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn was forced to withdraw due to unforeseen medical reasons in late August. This rapid transition placed Cope under immediate scrutiny, not just as a late addition, but also because of his relatively extensive history in dance. Speaking about the whirlwind announcement, Cope acknowledged the speed of his recruitment, describing it as a near-instantaneous decision. "It all happened within 24 hours, from the first phone call to everything," Cope told the BBC. "It was all just very, very sudden and I don't really think I had time to think about it. It’s a brilliant show and I always thought I’d love to do it, so when I had the opportunity, I was like, ‘Of course I’m going to do it!'" The Question of Prior Experience Cope’s debut performance, an energetic Jive in Week 1 with partner Katya Jones, immediately landed him near the top of the leaderboard with a score of 28, prompting discussion about his suitability for the "beginner" experience often associated with the show.
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The 30-year-old’s background includes a significant period as a child actor in London's West End, where he played the role of Michael in Billy Elliot the Musical. Furthermore, he was a runner-up in the Sky One dance competition series Got to Dance in 2013 as part of the street dance troupe Ruff Diamond. This prior training has fuelled accusations that the actor possesses an unfair advantage over contestants with no formal dance training. This specific dynamic, which often flares up when a celebrity performs unexpectedly well in the early stages, led to mixed reactions from former professional dancers. Former Strictly pro Vincent Simone commented publicly, suggesting that Cope “100 per cent” holds an advantage due to his training history, particularly the body awareness developed in theatrical and competitive dance. Conversely, other seasoned professionals, such as Brendan Cole, have countered this argument, highlighting the significant difference between street, tap, and musical theatre disciplines and the technical rigours of competitive Ballroom and Latin required for Strictly. "The muscle memory and performance quality are certainly transferable skills, but mastering the intricate frame and footwork of a Viennese Waltz or a Quickstep is a unique beast," explained one dance analyst familiar with the show's requirements. "The pressure remains immense, regardless of past experience. " Performance and Judge Scrutiny The pressure became tangible in Week 2, despite Cope and Jones delivering a strong Viennese Waltz.
While they achieved a joint overall score of 55 points, placing them second on the combined leaderboard, the performance attracted specific, detailed critique from the judging panel. Head Judge Shirley Ballas urged the couple to focus on technical refinement, despite acknowledging Cope’s natural power and dynamism. Amid audible boos from the studio audience, Ballas delivered her assessment, saying: “If you never worked on power another day in your life, then do yourself a favour, you’re gifted in it. You can jump, you can split, you can tick all those boxes. But then, when you get hold of your lady there’s something like a long neck, there is something like posture. ” Ballas specifically advised Cope and Jones on the need for "refinement," adding: “He means about the swan-like neck. I get your power, I love everything about your power, I think you’re destined for greatness in this competition, but for me, I don't see the crash, bang, wallop that everybody else sees. ” Even notoriously strict judge Craig Revel Horwood noted the routine was "a little bit up and down," demonstrating that while technically proficient, Cope's performances are not immune to critical assessment. Public Reception and Outlook The replacement storyline and Cope's impressive debut have led to inevitable comparisons to former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, who also joined the 2019 series as a late replacement and went on to win the Glitterball trophy.
This parallel, combined with his high scores, initially placed Cope as the early bookmakers' favourite to win the 2025 series. However, the odds have since shifted, reflecting the highly unpredictable nature of the competition and the public vote. His journey illustrates the double-edged sword of early success on Strictly Come Dancing; while high scores are necessary, the show often rewards the steepest improvement curve and emotional connection with the public. As the show heads into its next live week, with the first public vote results now in hand, Lewis Cope faces the crucial challenge of maintaining high technical standards while also demonstrating vulnerability and growth. His ability to incorporate the judges' detailed critiques—specifically regarding the required posture and grace of the complex Ballroom dances—will determine whether he can convert his initial flash of brilliance into the consistent performance required to lift the Glitterball trophy. The actor's unexpected arrival has undeniably injected a high level of competition and drama into the series, ensuring all eyes remain fixed on the ballroom floor.
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