Former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope is currently dazzling audiences on Strictly Come Dancing, but fans of the ITV soap haven’t forgotten his dramatic stint as Nicky Miligan. As speculation swirls about his possible return to the Dales, here’s a look back at how Nicky left — and why his story might not be over.

From Home Farm Nanny to Villain’s Son

Nicky first arrived in Emmerdale in December 2022 as the secret son of Caleb Miligan (William Ash) and Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly). Viewers later learned he was planted at Home Farm as part of Caleb’s elaborate plot to take revenge on Kim Tate (Claire King), the widow of Frank Tate, and claim her fortune.

To help carry out the scheme, Nicky took a job as live-in nanny to Gabby Thomas’s (Rosie Bentham) son, Thomas. Their professional relationship quickly turned romantic, and by early 2023, Nicky and Gabby were engaged — a union built entirely on lies.

The Wedding That Never Happened

On their wedding day, Nicky dropped a bombshell: he couldn’t go through with it because he was gay. The confession shattered Gabby and brought Caleb’s revenge plot crashing down. But out of the fallout came an authentic love story, as Nicky soon fell for newcomer Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana).

Despite a rocky start, the pair became one of the village’s most loved couples, eventually moving in together in 2024. But happiness was short-lived.

The Crash That Changed Everything

Tragedy struck when Nicky joined Ethan Anderson (Emile John) for a night out. A drunk Ethan got behind the wheel, resulting in a devastating crash that left Nicky in a coma. Police later confirmed that Ethan, not Nicky, had been driving — news that sent Ruby into a spiral of rage and grief.

After Ethan’s sudden death from a brain aneurysm, the Miligan family imploded. Seeking peace, Nicky and Suni made the decision to leave the village in July 2024, heading off to start fresh somewhere new.

Why Fans Think He’s Coming Back

Fast-forward to now, and Emmerdale is revisiting the Miligan family once again. The recent discovery of Anthony Fox’s body — Nicky’s grandfather — has reignited speculation that Nicky could return. Viewers will recall that Ruby murdered her father, Anthony, after years of abuse, and Caleb has recently unearthed his remains.

With the Miligans once again at the center of a major storyline, fans think the timing is perfect for Nicky’s comeback. One fan posted on Facebook: “I hope when Lewis Cope is done with Strictly he’ll come to Emmerdale.” Another echoed, “Same here!”

Could a Dales Return Be Next?

While ITV hasn’t confirmed anything yet, Emmerdale insiders have hinted that the Miligan saga is far from over — and Nicky’s return could easily tie into the renewed family drama.

For now, Lewis Cope continues to impress in the Strictly ballroom, but his unfinished business in the Dales might soon call him home.