From the Dales to the Dance Floor

Emmerdale favourite Lewis Cope could be preparing for a dramatic return to the Yorkshire Dales after dazzling fans on Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The actor, best known for playing Nicky Miligan, became a breakout star when he joined the ITV soap in 2022 — and now, his growing popularity has reignited talk of a comeback.

Partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones, Lewis has impressed both judges and viewers alike, quickly becoming one of this year’s standout contestants. But away from the glitter and sequins, soap fans are convinced that his next big move could see him heading straight back to Emmerdale.

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Nicky’s Tumultuous Time in the Dales

During his run on Emmerdale, Lewis’s character Nicky Miligan was embroiled in some of the show’s most gripping storylines. Introduced as the secret son of Caleb Miligan (William Ash) and Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly), Nicky’s arrival shook up the village.

From hiding his sexuality to being caught in a horrific car crash and navigating his complicated family ties, Nicky’s storylines were packed with drama and emotional twists. His exit in 2024 — leaving the Dales with his boyfriend Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Raman) — marked a happy ending for the couple, but fans always suspected the door had been left open for a future return.

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Strictly Success and Rumours of a Comeback

Lewis’s Strictly Come Dancing journey began unexpectedly when he was brought into the competition at the last minute — reportedly within 24 hours of the cast announcement. Despite the short notice, he’s thrived on the show, charming audiences and becoming a firm fan favourite.

However, with his rising public profile, speculation has grown that ITV might be planning to bring him back to Emmerdale once Strictly wraps up later this year.

Fans believe the timing could be perfect, especially with the Anthony Fox storyline heating up again.

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The Plot That Could Bring Nicky Home

Viewers will remember that Nicky’s grandfather Anthony Fox was murdered earlier this year by his daughter Ruby, following years of dark family secrets. With help from John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), Ruby covered up the crime and buried the truth — quite literally.

But when John fled the country, he revealed the location of Anthony’s body to Caleb, who later dug it up himself. Now that the remains have been disturbed, it’s only a matter of time before the police get involved — and that could be the perfect moment for Nicky’s return.

As one fan wrote on an Emmerdale Facebook page:

“I hope when Lewis Cope is done with Strictly, he’ll come back to Emmerdale.”

Another agreed:

“He might return when Anthony’s body gets found — especially if Ruby or Caleb get caught.”

With the Miligan family’s secrets threatening to explode, Nicky’s reappearance could add another emotional layer to the fallout.

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What’s Next for Lewis Cope?

While there’s no official confirmation yet from ITV, Emmerdale has a history of welcoming back fan-favourite characters — particularly when there’s unfinished business. With Lewis Cope’s popularity soaring thanks to Strictly, producers may well see his return as a golden opportunity to boost ratings and tie up the Miligan family saga.

For now, fans can catch Lewis showcasing his moves on the Strictly dance floor — but once the glitter settles, all eyes will be on whether Nicky Miligan finds his way back to the Dales.