From Billy Elliot to Emmerdale: Lewis Cope on Finding Courage and Embracing the Journey
Lewis Cope, born in 1995, has navigated a remarkable career trajectory from a breakout role in Billy Elliot the Musical to a prominent position on the ITV drama Emmerdale, currently captivating audiences on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour through February 15th. His story is one of embracing vulnerability, overcoming self-doubt, and the enduring power of a supportive upbringing.
Cope vividly remembers his early days with the iconic production, recalling a pivotal moment of self-discovery. “This is me in a dress, playing Michael in Billy Elliot the Musical,” he reflects. “Michael is Billy’s gay best friend – he wears his sister’s clothes without fear or shame, and is the one who inspires Billy to be whoever he wants to be.” He emphasizes that being part of that narrative at a young age was a “complete eye-opener,” solidifying his ambition to pursue a life on stage.
Despite his burgeoning career, Cope admits he’s never actively sought the spotlight. Growing up as the tenth of fourteen children in a bustling household in Hartlepool, County Durham, he learned the value of teamwork and selflessness. “There was never a quiet moment,” he describes, “and as the older ones grew up, they looked after the younger ones. Everyone chipped in.” This chaotic yet loving environment instilled in him a strong work ethic, mirroring his mother’s ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while running her beauty salon from their home.
His path to performance wasn’t immediate. Initially hesitant about dance, Cope reluctantly joined a class after his mother presented him with a choice. This seemingly small decision proved transformative. However, he briefly abandoned dance during secondary school, prioritizing fitting in. It was the opportunity to audition for Billy Elliot that reignited his passion, forcing him to confront his fear of judgment. “I realised I was letting the fear of being judged stop me from doing something I loved,” he explains. He also notes a surprisingly supportive environment, stating he “never got bullied for wearing a dress,” thanks to the protective presence of his eight brothers.
Landing the role of Michael necessitated a move to London, a transition Cope describes as surprisingly familiar. The shared living situation with his fellow cast members mirrored the organized chaos of his childhood home. He quickly adapted to the demands of performing in front of large audiences, a stark contrast to his previous life.
One unexpected challenge was developing a sense of rhythm. Growing up in a noisy household meant music wasn’t a central feature of his upbringing. To address this, producers arranged drumming lessons, a testament to Cope’s willingness to embrace hard work. “If something needed effort, I was going to give everything to it,” he asserts, echoing the example set by his mother.
After Billy Elliot, Cope briefly considered a more conventional path, even contemplating a career on the railway. This period of self-doubt led him to question his aspirations, but ultimately reaffirmed his commitment to the performing arts. A stint with the dance group Ruff Diamond and a run on the television competition Got to Dance in 2013 further honed his skills and boosted his confidence.
The path wasn’t always linear. A self-taped audition for Emmerdale while on holiday led to a swift and unexpected opportunity. He joined the cast as Nicky Miligan in 2022, a role that brought him widespread recognition. “Emmerdale reaches millions of people every night,” Cope observes. “The audience becomes incredibly familiar with you – so familiar that they feel like they know you personally.” He notes the special connection he feels to the show, as it’s a favorite of his grandmother, Nana Dot, alongside Vera, a pattern he’s observed extending to Strictly.
Now 30, Cope feels revitalized by his participation in Strictly Come Dancing, describing the rigorous training as a “new lease of life.” He acknowledges the self-doubt that inevitably arises during the competition, but credits his dance partner, Katya Jones, with helping him trust the process.
Looking back, Cope expresses gratitude for the journey that has brought him to this point. “If the 11-year-old version of me who auditioned for Billy Elliot could see where I am now, he’d be grateful I kept going,” he says. He recognizes the importance of embracing challenges and remaining true to one’s passion, a sentiment that encapsulates his inspiring career. And he can still feel the same buzz and energy he had back then. That’s something I never want to lose.
