Lewis Cope’s Return to Emmerdale ‘Sealed’ as Nicky Miligan Following Strictly Stint
From the Ballroom Back to the Dales?
Lewis Cope, best known to soap fans as Nicky Miligan, could be preparing for a major Emmerdale comeback. The actor, who joined the ITV soap in 2022 as Caleb and Ruby’s son, is currently dazzling viewers on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 alongside professional partner Katya Jones.
Their lively routines have made them instant audience favourites, but off the dancefloor, speculation is mounting that Lewis’s next move will bring him back to the Yorkshire Dales.
Nicky’s Story So Far
Nicky’s time in Emmerdale was filled with turmoil and emotional twists. Viewers watched him hide his sexuality from his father, endure a near-fatal car crash, and finally leave the village with his boyfriend Suni Sharma. His exit in 2024 seemed final—until new developments in the show’s current storylines hinted that his return might be inevitable.
The Anthony Fox Connection
Fans believe the discovery of Anthony Fox’s body could trigger Nicky’s reappearance. Longtime viewers will recall that Anthony, played by Nicholas Day, was murdered by his daughter Ruby after years of abuse. John Sugden helped her cover up the crime, but when John later fled the country, Caleb uncovered the grim truth about his father’s remains.
Now, rumours swirl that the investigation could reopen, pulling the Miligan family—and Nicky—back into the spotlight.
Fans Fuel the Rumours
Speculation has been spreading rapidly on Emmerdale fan forums and Facebook groups. One viewer posted, “I hope when Lewis Cope is done with Strictly he’ll come to Emmerdale.” Another added, “He might return when Anthony’s body gets found?”
With the soap’s writers known for weaving big comebacks into major storylines, fans believe this could be the perfect moment to bring Nicky home.
Will Lewis Cope Return?
ITV has yet to confirm whether Lewis will reprise his role, but the timing seems ideal. His Strictly stint has boosted his public profile, and Emmerdale is currently exploring darker family secrets—an environment perfectly suited for Nicky’s complicated relationship with Caleb and Ruby.
If the Miligans find themselves under police scrutiny again, Nicky’s return could spark another explosive chapter for the family.