Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has landed a spot on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, stepping in at the eleventh hour for Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nair.
The replacement comes mere hours after Mr Nair announced he had to withdraw from this year’s show.
Mr Cope has become a household name through his portrayal of Nicky Milligan in the ITV soap, where his character was dramatically unveiled as part of both the legendary Tate and Dingle clans.
Mr Nair cited unexpected health issues as the reason for his departure from the BBC dance competition.
Explaining the decision, he said: “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons.
“I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor.
“Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”
Mr Cope will take Nairn’s place in the competition which launches in just weeks.
Beyond the Yorkshire countryside of Emmerdale, Cope has built an impressive television portfolio.
The star has appeared in the crime drama Vera, the comedy-mystery series Mrs Sidhu Investigates, and the children’s period drama Hetty Feather.
The performer has also worked alongside David Beckham on an advertising project.
Speaking of his excitement of joining Strictly, he said: I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
“I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”
On stage, Mr Cope broke into theatre at just 11-years-old, taking on the role of Michael in the West End sensation Billy Elliot: The Musical.
More recently, has has starred as Leonard Vole in the Olivier-nominated production of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution and toured Britain in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
In his heartfelt message about stepping down, Nair expressed disappointment about missing out on the experience.
Kristian Nairn was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing
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BBCSarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios, said in a statement: “We’ve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he has all the makings of a brilliant Strictly Come Dancing contestant.
“We’re incredibly sorry to lose him from this year’s series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”