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.

Police in Newry are investigating a violent altercation that occurred outside the Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Francis Street on Saturday evening. The incident, which involved a group of young males, took place at approximately 5:40 pm on October 18, prompting emergency services to respond to the scene.

Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the disturbance, including two 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrests were made on suspicion of multiple offenses, including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Two of the detained males, aged 16 and 17, have been released on bail pending further police inquiries, while the other 17-year-old was released unconditionally. The Police Service of Northern Ireland continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation that began at the shopping center and continued onto the adjacent street.

Authorities are particularly concerned about a male youth believed to have been assaulted during the incident who left the scene before officers arrived. Inspector Ritchie stated that police have concerns for the individual's wellbeing and are urging him to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage are asked to contact Ardmore police station quoting reference number 1120 of 18/10/25.