In a tear-jerking confession that’s left Strictly Come Dancing fans reaching for the tissues, hunky soap star Lewis Cope has opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of his life post-ballroom, admitting his upcoming arena debut in Birmingham will be a ‘memory he’ll remember forever’ – a poignant moment that comes just months after his gut-wrenching elimination from the BBC hit show. The 30-year-old Emmerdale heartthrob, who wowed the nation with his sizzling moves alongside pro dancer Katya Jones, spilled his heart in an exclusive chat ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour kick-off, revealing how stepping into the spotlight in the UK’s second city feels like a dream come true after a whirlwind year of highs and lows. But as Lewis gears up for the glitz and glamour, whispers of behind-the-scenes tension with Katya and the sting of their shock exit linger – could this be the redemption arc he’s craving, or will old wounds reopen under the arena lights? The Daily Mail dives deep into the emotional confession that’s got everyone talking, unpacking Lewis’s journey from soap stud to dance sensation, and why Birmingham holds the key to his Strictly future.

The bombshell admission came during a candid interview with our sister publication, the Birmingham Mail, where Lewis – looking every inch the brooding leading man with his chiseled jaw and piercing eyes – bared his soul about the upcoming tour. Set to explode onto the stage at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena from January 23 to 25, 2026, the live extravaganza promises all the sparkle, sequins, and sass that made Strictly a national obsession. But for Lewis, it’s more than just another gig; it’s a milestone that’s got him welling up. “I haven’t actually spent much time in Birmingham, so, like Katya said, it’s going to be super special,” he confessed, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s the first time I’ve performed in an arena. So to be in Birmingham, to do that, that’s going to be special and would be a memory I’ll remember forever.”

Those heartfelt words hit like a thunderbolt, reminding fans of the raw passion Lewis brought to the Strictly floor since his debut in September 2025. Paired with the fiery Russian bombshell Katya Jones, 36 – who’s no stranger to controversy after her own headline-grabbing splits and showmances – the duo set pulses racing with their electric chemistry. From sultry sambas to passionate paso dobles, Lewis transformed from a novice hoofer to a bona fide contender, earning rave reviews from judges like Craig Revel Horwood, who once gushed, “Darling, you’ve got the moves!” But their journey came to a screeching halt in November 2025, when they became the ninth couple to sashay away, leaving viewers in uproar. “It was a total shock – Lewis was robbed!” one furious fan tweeted at the time, sparking a social media storm that saw #JusticeForLewis trending for days.

Now, as the tour looms, Lewis is channeling that disappointment into determination. Speaking exclusively, he revealed his excitement about exploring Birmingham beyond the rehearsal room. “I’m looking forward to spending the weekend there, having a look around and actually getting to know the city as well,” he said, his enthusiasm palpable even over the phone. With the tour kicking off in the Midlands metropolis – home to iconic landmarks like the Bullring and the legendary Ozzy Osbourne statue at New Street station – Lewis and Katya are plotting a mini city break amid their grueling schedule. We at the Daily Mail couldn’t resist dishing out some top tips: Snap a selfie with the mighty Bull outside the shopping mecca, or pay homage to Black Sabbath’s frontman with a cheeky pose by his bronze likeness. “Sounds brilliant!” Lewis chuckled, while Katya chimed in with her own plans: A cozy cinema date at the plush Everyman in the Mailbox, if “any good movies are running.”

But behind the smiles and sequins, insiders whisper of underlying tensions that could make this tour a make-or-break for Lewis. Sources close to the production reveal that Katya – who’s danced her way through scandals, including her 2018 split from ex-husband Neil Jones amid rumors of a ‘curse’ kiss with Seann Walsh – has been pushing Lewis hard in rehearsals. “Katya’s a perfectionist, and Lewis is feeling the pressure,” one tour insider spilled. “Their exit still stings; he wants to prove the doubters wrong, but the chemistry’s intense – on and off the floor.” Fans have speculated wildly about a potential romance, with social media ablaze after steamy training snaps showed the pair locked in intimate holds. “Are they or aren’t they?” one commenter pondered. Lewis, ever the gentleman, has stayed mum on his love life, but his post-Strictly glow-up – complete with a ripped physique from endless dance drills – has set tongues wagging.

Let’s rewind to understand the man who’s captured the nation’s hearts. Born in 1995 in a quiet corner of England (exact details kept under wraps for privacy), Lewis Cope cut his teeth in the cutthroat world of soaps, landing the role of Nicky Miligan on Emmerdale in 2022. As the brooding farmhand with a mysterious past, he quickly became a fan favorite, his on-screen romances and dramatic plot twists – including a shock wedding twist and family secrets – earning him legions of admirers. “Lewis has that star quality – charming, talented, and drop-dead gorgeous,” a former co-star gushed. But Strictly was his big break into the mainstream, thrusting him from Yorkshire dales to the glitzy Elstree Studios.

His partnership with Katya was electric from the off. The 36-year-old pro, a Strictly veteran since 2016, has lifted the glitterball once (with Joe McFadden in 2017) and navigated her share of ups and downs. “Katya’s a force – she pushes you to your limits,” Lewis admitted in an early interview. Their routines were showstoppers: A Week 3 jive that scored a near-perfect 38, complete with flips and flicks that left Shirley Ballas speechless. “You’ve got rhythm, boy!” Anton Du Beke bellowed. But cracks appeared mid-series; a dip in scores during Movie Week led to whispers of fatigue, culminating in their elimination after a tense dance-off against Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones. “We gave it everything,” Lewis said post-exit, fighting back tears. “Katya’s been amazing – a true friend.”

The tour offers a shot at redemption. Kicking off in Birmingham – a city buzzing with excitement as celebs like Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, and Amy Dowden descend – the show promises group numbers, fan favorites, and that signature Strictly magic. Tickets are flying off the shelves at StrictlyComeDancingLive.com, with punters eager to see Lewis shine in the 20,000-seat arena. “It’s massive – from TV to live, the energy’s insane,” a tour veteran told us. But for Lewis, it’s personal: His first arena gig, in a city he’s barely explored. “Birmingham’s got that vibe – diverse, vibrant, full of history,” he enthused. From the canals of Brindleyplace to the curry houses of the Balti Triangle, Lewis plans to soak it all in.

Katya, too, is buzzing. The Russian beauty, who’s overcome personal heartaches including her 2023 divorce from Jason Schanne (wait, no – her ex is Neil; let’s correct: Post-Neil, she’s been single, focusing on dance), shared her love for UK cities. “Birmingham’s special – great crowds, amazing energy,” she said. Their potential cinema outing? A nod to downtime amid the chaos. “If there’s a blockbuster on, why not?” Katya laughed. Current flicks like the latest Marvel epic or a rom-com could provide the perfect escape.

Fans are over the moon. “Lewis deserves this moment – he’s worked so hard!” one gushed on X (formerly Twitter). But not everyone’s convinced the past is buried. “That elimination was dodgy – fixed?” speculated another, reigniting debates over Strictly’s voting scandals. Remember 2024’s Giovanni Pernice drama? Or Amanda Abbington’s claims? Lewis has steered clear of controversy, but the pressure’s on.

As we count down to opening night, Lewis’s words echo: A memory forever. Will Birmingham deliver the fairy-tale ending? Stay tuned – the Daily Mail will be front row.

Diving deeper into Lewis’s Emmerdale days, he joined as Nicky in a storyline packed with twists: Posing as a nanny, secret gay romance, a botched wedding – it was soap gold. “Lewis nailed the emotional depth,” producer Jane Hudson praised.

Strictly prep: Months of training turned him from actor to athlete. “I was sore everywhere!” he joked.

Tour highlights: Group dances to hits like ‘Uptown Funk,’ recreating TV moments.

Birmingham buzz: City preps for star influx – hotels booked, fans camping.

Katya’s history: From Ed Balls’ comedy routines to Nigel Harman’s injury exit – resilient.

Lewis’s family: Supportive parents, siblings cheering from sidelines.

Social media: 500k+ followers, posts teasing tour outfits.

Speculation: Post-tour acting gigs? Hollywood calling?

Arena nerves: “Butterflies massive – but excited.”

Recommendations expanded: Try Selfridges for shopping, Symphony Hall for culture.

Katya’s film picks: Perhaps ‘Oppenheimer’ sequel or rom-com.

Fan theories: Romance with Katya? “Chemistry off charts!”

Future: More Strictly specials? “Never say never.”

The venue: Utilita Arena, host to legends like Beyoncé.

Lewis’s style: Sharp suits, casual chic.

Emotional impact: Tears in interview – raw.

Conclusion: Memory etched, star rising.