What’s next for Lewis Cope after shock Strictly exit?

Lewis Cope was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing at the quarter-final stage in a move that shocked many viewers since the Emmerdale star was one of the strongest dancers on the series.

The actor found himself in the dance-off opposite Amber Davies, another one of the show’s most skilled performers, and was ultimately chosen to leave by the judges after his dance didn’t quite have the same edge.

Not only was Cope the first celebrity to earn a coveted 40 score in the 2025 series, but co-host Tess Daly also revealed that Cope, 30, had been the highest-scoring male celebrity to ever participate in the show and had broken numerous records with his high scores. However, he and Davies have both been perceived by some fans as having an unfair advantage in the competition due to their previous dance experience.

But while his Strictly journey is over, that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road for Cope in general, as his career is only just beginning thanks to his appearance on the series.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Cope revealed that he has been inundated with interest since leaving the show.

“The attention Strictly creates, and viewing figures are different to anything I’ve ever experienced,” he shared. “The offers have been flooding in, which is lovely.”

Lewis Cope was one of the top performing celebrities on Strictly, but that wasn’t enough to save him from the dance off. (BBC)

Will Lewis Cope be part of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour?

Aside from returning to his acting work, Cope has been confirmed to be part of the Strictly live tour, which launches in January 2026.

The 2025 Strictly star confirmed to be taking part in the 2026 live show will be: Cope, Harry Aikines-Aryeerty, finalist George Clarke, Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, Ellie Goldstein, Vicky Pattison, and La Voix. Also joining the tour is 2023 finalist Layton Williams, who recently returned to Strictly for a special dance during Blackpool Week, and he will dance with Nikita Kuzmin.

Lewis Cope has been one of the strongest dancers in the show’s history. (BBC)

This is something that Abi Bennetts, Digital PR Director at Launch PR felt was a natural step for Cope after his exit from the show, sharing with Yahoo UK: “From here, Lewis has a number of doors that will open to him. Strictly’s live tour would be a seamless next step – the perfect place to deepen his connection with the show’s core fanbase and keep that momentum going.”

Will Lewis Cope return to acting?

Cope’s main job is acting, and many fans may wonder if he will return to the stage or screen following his Strictly exit.

“I loved dancing on Strictly, but I am an actor,” Cope told the Daily Star. “It will be great to be back on set and doing what I love doing. I’m happy the focus is back on my acting. I’ll be on screen very soon… on television.” He also shared an interest in taking to the stage too.

According to the actor’s IMDb, his next project is a film called Kazzy, which is currently in the pre-production stages. Directed by actor Mark Spayne, the drama is set to follow the titular character as she struggles with inner demons and substance abuse while trying to escape an abusive relationship. It is not yet clear who Cope will play or when the film will come out, but it is his next project.

Lewis Cope’s time on Strictly will no doubt open many doors for him. (BBC/Guy Levy)

Bennetts explained that being on Strictly will have brought Cope to the attention of casting agents too, adding: “And with two years on Emmerdale under his belt, this renewed visibility makes him a strong contender for more acting roles. Casting directors love a performer who brings both technical ability and public affection, and Lewis now ticks both boxes.”

Could Lewis Cope become a TV presenter?

It is also possible for Cope to land presenting work off the back of his time on Strictly, which has been the case for alumni like Hamza Yassin and Rose Ayling-Ellis. Bennetts explained: “Lewis has shown a level of relatability that audiences gravitate towards: humble, funny and genuinely grateful for the opportunity. It’s this kind of ‘man of the people’ appeal that translates seamlessly into presenting work, making a move into TV hosting a very real possibility.

“And considering he wasn’t even originally meant to be on the line-up (joining as a last-minute replacement for Kristian Nairn) Lewis has done more than just step in – he’s carved out a loyal fanbase of his own, rapidly growing his Instagram following to 80k and counting.

Whether it’s acting, hosting or continuing to champion dance for the next generation, he’s positioned himself as one of this year’s true breakout stars.”

Will he return to Emmerdale?

Lewis Cope first rose to fame on Emmerdale, he left the soap in 2024 but could possibly return one day. (ITV)

Other than that, soap fans might be wondering if Cope could return to Emmerdale after leaving the series in 2024. The possibility is there, since Cope’s character Nicky Miligan left the Dales to enjoy a new life with his boyfriend Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana).

As is often the case with soaps, the door is open for Cope to return one day, but nothing has been confirmed so far.

Cope could also return to the stage; he has previously had roles in shows like Billy Elliot the Musical, and more recently in Witness for the Prosecution and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Being on Strictly will almost certainly help Cope’s popularity rise, and could lead to more stage roles as a result.

Yahoo UK has reached out to Lewis Cope’s representatives for further comments on his next career moves.

Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday and Sunday on BBC One, with episodes also available on BBC iPlayer.