Actor hints at new on-screen role while preparing to reunite with his Strictly partner in 2026
Introduction
Lewis Cope is keeping fans guessing as he hints at a major new chapter in his career—just as he prepares to reunite with Katya Jones for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2026. After a dramatic quarter-final exit from the BBC ballroom last year, the actor is proving that his Strictly journey is far from over.
A Shock Exit That Fans Didn’t See Coming
Viewers of the 2025 series will remember the surprise elimination of Lewis and Katya during the quarter-finals. Despite earning two perfect scores earlier in the competition and finishing joint second on the Musicals Week leaderboard, the pair found themselves in the dance-off for the first time. Judges ultimately chose to save Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, bringing Lewis’s ballroom run to an abrupt end.
Reuniting for the Strictly Live Tour 2026
It was later confirmed that Lewis and Katya would reunite for the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026 tour, which launches at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 23. The tour lineup also includes returning favourites such as Layton Williams, Vicky Pattison, Ellie Goldstein, Harry Aikines-Aryeety, La Voix, and a host of professional dancers, alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood. Janette Manrara will host the nationwide tour.
In a statement at the time, Lewis said he wasn’t ready to “hang up [his] dancing shoes,” adding that he felt “thrilled and honoured” to continue his Strictly journey.
Filming Tease Sparks Speculation
While rehearsals for the tour are underway, Lewis has now hinted that something else is brewing. Taking to Instagram, the 30-year-old shared a snap of what appeared to be a script run-through, carefully covering the details but revealing his name on the paperwork. Another image showed him smiling into a mirror while in hair and makeup, strongly suggesting he’s back on set.
It has already been confirmed that Lewis will miss some dates on the Strictly tour due to prior commitments—now seemingly explained by a new acting role.
“Offers Have Been Flooding In”
Lewis has previously spoken candidly about how Strictly transformed his career. He revealed that since appearing on the show, work opportunities have arrived in abundance.
“The attention Strictly creates and the viewing figures are different to anything I’ve ever experienced,” he said in an interview. “The offers have been flooding in, which is lovely.”
Returning to His First Love: Acting
While he embraced life on the dance floor, Lewis has been clear that acting remains his priority. He described Strictly as an incredible experience but one that ultimately helped refocus attention on his acting career.
“I loved dancing on Strictly, but I am an actor,” he explained. “It’ll be great to be back on set and doing what I love. I’m happy the focus is back on my acting. I’ll be on screen very soon… on television.”
What’s Next for Lewis Cope
For now, details of Lewis’s new project remain under wraps, but anticipation is building. With a high-profile Strictly reunion ahead and a mystery role already in motion, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the rising star.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see him back in action—whether it’s under the bright lights of the Strictly ballroom or on screen in his next acting role, Lewis Cope is clearly just getting started.
