Emmerdale favourite Lewis Cope teases a possible Nicky Miligan comeback 👀 — after his Strictly Come Dancing success, could a Miligan family reunion be on the cards?
Emmerdale fans are hopeful for a major comeback as Lewis Cope, who played Nicky Miligan, teased that his return to the Dales might only be a matter of time.
The actor, currently lighting up the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, has admitted he would “never say never” to revisiting the village that made him a household name.
Lewis Cope’s Strictly Success
Since joining Strictly Come Dancing 2025, Lewis has become a fan favorite alongside professional partner Katya Jones. Week after week, he’s impressed the judges with powerful, passionate routines — including a show-stopping Paso Doble to The Mask of Zorro’s “Plaza of Execution,” which earned him a perfect 10 from Motsi Mabuse.
Despite his new dance floor fame, the 30-year-old star hasn’t forgotten his Emmerdale roots — and his latest comments have reignited excitement among fans longing for a Miligan family reunion.
“Never Say Never” on an Emmerdale Return
Lewis, who first appeared as Nicky Miligan in late 2022, left the soap in July 2024 after a dramatic exit storyline alongside his on-screen boyfriend Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Raman).
Speaking exclusively to Express Online, Lewis shared that the door is always open for Nicky’s return.
“Nicky can come back at any point. His family are still there,” he said. “It was a brilliant job for me. I loved being there. Everyone was so lovely and they’ve been so supportive on this as well. You never know what’s going to happen in the future. Never say never.”
His words immediately sent Emmerdale fans into speculation mode — especially since Nicky’s family, including Caleb (Will Ash) and Ruby Fox-Miligan (Beth Cordingly), remain key players in the village.
Could a Miligan Reunion Be on the Horizon?
If Nicky does return, it could tie directly into his sister Steph’s (Georgia Jay) recent exit storyline. Steph announced she was going travelling — a plot written to allow actress Georgia Jay to take maternity leave.
With Caleb and Ruby still entangled in ongoing drama, many fans believe Nicky’s comeback is inevitable — and perhaps already in motion behind the scenes.
Social media has been flooded with theories, with one fan writing: “Nicky’s return is written all over this. They’re keeping his story warm for something big!”
Life Beyond the Dales
While his acting career remains strong, Lewis admits Strictly has been one of the toughest challenges of his life — but also one of the most rewarding.
“This is the hardest I’ve ever worked,” he said. “The one-on-one training is relentless, but the reward is worth it.”
Despite the demanding schedule, Lewis remains grounded. “I don’t even think of the judges,” he added. “We’re just working every single day, training as hard as we can, and what will be will be on a Saturday.”
With his charisma and work ethic winning new fans weekly, it seems Lewis Cope’s Strictly journey could be just the boost Emmerdale needs to bring Nicky Miligan back home.