British actor Lewis Cope has become an unexpected addition to the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup, stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, who withdrew from the competition on medical grounds. The 30-year-old Emmerdale star, who plays Nicky Milligan on the popular ITV soap, received the surprise call while walking down Oxford Street on his way to meet a friend. Cope's sudden entry has made him an early standout in this year's competition, marking one of two late cast changes that have reshaped the series before its first live show.

Cope brings significant performing experience to the dance floor, having made his stage debut at just 11 years old in the West End production of Billy Elliot: The Musical, where he played Michael. The actor has credited that early experience with shaping his career, telling Tresa magazine, "If I hadn't have done that show when I was 11, I wouldn't be an actor now. It opened my eyes." His connection to the Billy Elliot story runs particularly deep, as he noted that his grandfather was a miner, making the production's themes "very close to home."

Beyond his theatrical background, Cope possesses actual dance training from his teenage years as part of the hip-hop troupe Ruff Diamond. The group achieved notable success, finishing as runners-up on the Sky One dance competition Got to Dance in 2013 and receiving praise from judge Kimberly Wyatt, who called their initial audition the best of the series. This combination of stage experience and specific dance training positions Cope as a potentially strong contender in the competition, despite his late entry.

The actor joins fellow replacement Amber Davies, who was brought in after Dani Dyer withdrew due to an ankle fracture sustained during rehearsals. Cope expressed that the sudden nature of his casting might work to his advantage, stating, "I think, if anything, it's probably helped me because I haven't really had time to think about it or anything so now the excitement has kind of just taken over. I think it's probably better for me." He has also identified judge Shirley Ballas as the panel member he's particularly hoping to impress as he makes his Strictly debut.

A major fire involving a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles has forced the complete closure of the M5 motorway in Devon, causing significant traffic disruption during Wednesday morning's rush hour. The blaze erupted at approximately 7am between junctions 28 at Cullompton and 29 near Exeter, prompting emergency services to shut the critical transport artery in both directions. Motorists reported being trapped in standstill traffic for hours, with some forced to cancel or postpone work commitments due to the extensive delays.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the transporter was "fully involved" in fire, with five fire appliances and a water bowser deployed to battle the intense blaze. Photographs and footage from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the incident, with fierce orange flames engulfing both the transporter and its electric vehicle cargo. One witness reported hearing explosions during the incident, though authorities have not confirmed the cause of these sounds.

National Highways, Devon and Cornwall Police, and multiple emergency services remain on scene coordinating the response. The closure has resulted in delays of approximately 30 minutes on approaches to the affected stretch of motorway. Authorities have implemented diversion routes, with southbound traffic directed to exit at junction 28 and northbound traffic at junction 29, though police are advising motorists to avoid the area entirely due to significant traffic issues.

National Highways has not provided an estimate for when the M5 will reopen to traffic. The agency advised road users to allow extra journey time and consider rerouting or delaying travel plans. The incident highlights the growing challenges of transporting electric vehicles and the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, though the exact cause of this particular fire remains under investigation by authorities.