Former Emmerdale favourite Lewis Cope has swapped the drama of the Dales for the glitz of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, but fans are already wondering if his time away from the ITV soap might be short-lived. With new twists unfolding in the Miligan family storyline, speculation is mounting that Nicky could soon make a dramatic comeback.

From Emmerdale to Strictly Stardom
Since joining Strictly Come Dancing, 30-year-old Lewis Cope has wowed audiences alongside professional partner Katya Jones. The pair recently topped the leaderboard with their fiery Johnny Cash-themed Quickstep to “Ring of Fire,” earning rave reviews from judges and viewers alike.

But before dazzling in sequins, Lewis was best known for playing Nicky Miligan — the complicated and conflicted son of Caleb (William Ash) and Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly).Emmerdale rocked as Nicky Milligan’s secret exposed after he’s caught with lover | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV | Express.co.uk

Nicky Miligan’s Rollercoaster Storyline
Nicky arrived in Emmerdale in December 2022 as part of Caleb’s secret revenge plan against Kim Tate (Claire King). Working as a live-in nanny at Home Farm, Nicky helped his father infiltrate Kim’s world while falling into his own web of deceit.

In one of the soap’s most dramatic moments, Nicky got engaged to Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) — only to call off the wedding at the altar and reveal that he was gay. His confession left Gabby heartbroken and exposed Caleb’s entire scheme.

Nicky later found love with Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana), and the pair became one of the show’s most beloved couples. However, tragedy struck when a car crash left Nicky in a coma after Ethan Anderson (Emile John) drunkenly lost control of the vehicle.

When police revealed Ethan was the driver, Ruby’s fury erupted — setting off a chain of revenge that led to Ethan’s shocking death from a brain aneurysm.

After months of turmoil, Nicky and Suni decided to leave the village in July 2024, hoping to rebuild their lives away from the chaos.Emmerdale’s Nicky and Caleb make truce over attack

A Dark Family Secret Resurfaces
Now, Emmerdale fans are convinced that Nicky’s exit might not be permanent. The discovery of Anthony Fox’s (Nicholas Day) dead body — Nicky’s grandfather — has reopened old wounds in the Miligan family.

Anthony was killed earlier in 2025 by his daughter Ruby after years of abuse and trauma. With Caleb recently uncovering his father’s buried remains, the truth about the family’s dark past is about to explode — and many believe Nicky’s return could be tied to the fallout.

Emmerdale fans ask ‘who’ as they’re left baffled by Caleb’s family bombshell in heated Nicky clash – Manchester Evening News

Will Lewis Cope Return to the Dales?
While Lewis is currently focused on his Strictly journey, fans on social media are already calling for his Emmerdale comeback.

One viewer posted, “I hope when Lewis Cope is done with Strictly he’ll return to Emmerdale.” Another agreed, writing, “Same here! Nicky’s story felt unfinished.”

Given the Miligan family’s ongoing secrets and the potential for new drama, it’s not hard to imagine Nicky walking back into the village — just as his family’s darkest crimes come to light.