In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through Emmerdale fandom, actor Lewis Cope — best known for his portrayal of Nicky Milligan — has hinted that a sensational return

to the Dales might be on the horizon. The 30-year-old actor, currently capturing the nation’s hearts with his dazzling performances on Strictly Come Dancing, has made it clear

that his time in Emmerdale may not be over just yet.

Cope, who joined Emmerdale in late 2022, quickly became a fan favorite as Nicky Milligan, the charming yet complex son of Caleb Milligan (played by Will Ash) and Ruby Fox-Milligan (Beth Cordingly). His character’s arrival shook up the village, introducing viewers to a new branch of the Milligan family — a storyline filled with secrets, passion, and betrayal. However, less than two years later, fans were devastated when Nicky made his emotional exit in July 2024, leaving the village with his boyfriend Suni Sharma (Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana).

Now, months after that tearful goodbye, Cope has opened up about the possibility of Nicky’s return — and his words have reignited hope among devoted fans. Speaking to Express Online, the actor teased, “Nicky can come back at any point. His family are still there. It was a brilliant job for me. I loved being there. Everyone was so lovely and they’ve been so supportive on this as well. You never know what’s going to happen in the future — never say never.”

Those five words — “never say never” — have fueled a frenzy of speculation. Could Nicky be preparing for a dramatic comeback to Emmerdale? With his family still deeply woven into the fabric of the village, it’s not a far-fetched idea. Caleb and Ruby remain key players, and his sister Steph (played by Georgia J.) joined the show just months after his departure. Steph herself recently announced plans to travel abroad — an exit that mirrors Georgia’s real-life maternity leave — which only adds more intrigue to what might come next for the Milligan clan.

If Nicky were to return, fans can expect a storm of emotion, reconciliation, and possibly new heartbreaks. His past romance with Suni was one of Emmerdale’s most talked-about storylines of 2024 — a refreshing and heartfelt portrayal of young love and self-discovery. However, their decision to leave the village together left many viewers wondering: Was this truly the end of their story, or just the calm before another dramatic twist?

While the actor’s time in Emmerdale may be paused, Cope’s star continues to rise elsewhere. Since joining Strictly Come Dancing, he’s become one of the standout performers of the season. Dancing alongside professional Katya Jones, Lewis has consistently impressed judges and audiences alike with his flair, charisma, and sheer dedication to the craft. For four consecutive weeks, he’s held his place near the top of the leaderboard — a feat that’s earned him not only respect but adoration from fans of both shows.

One particularly unforgettable performance came in Week Three, when Cope and Jones closed the show with a powerful Paso Doble to The Plaza of Execution from The Mask of Zorro. Their fiery routine earned a rare perfect 10 from judge Motsi Mabuse — a moment that left Lewis speechless. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “I was speechless — and that takes quite a lot. I don’t even think about the judges; we just work every single day, training as hard as we can, and then what will be will be on Saturday.”

That dedication has become Lewis’s trademark. Behind the glittering performances lies an intense schedule that has pushed him to his limits — but in his own words, the hard work is paying off. “This is the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life in terms of one-on-one hours you have to physically do,” he admitted. “It’s exhausting, but equally, the reward is worth it.”

Fans of both Strictly and Emmerdale have been rallying behind the actor online, celebrating his talent and hoping that his dance floor success might lead to new career opportunities — including a triumphant return to the Yorkshire village that first made him a household name.

Meanwhile, Strictly remains as unpredictable as ever. Just last weekend, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and his partner Lauren Oakley were eliminated after landing in the dreaded dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin. The competition is heating up, and all eyes are now on Lewis and Katya to see if they can continue their winning streak.

Still, for Emmerdale fans, the bigger question looms: could the actor’s return to soapland coincide with another major shake-up in the Milligan family storyline? With multiple characters exiting, returning, and evolving, the stage seems perfectly set for Nicky’s reappearance — perhaps older, wiser, and ready to face the consequences of his past actions.

The chemistry between Lewis Cope and his on-screen parents, Will Ash and Beth Cordingly, was one of Emmerdale’s most compelling dynamics. The family’s arrival introduced a darker, more morally complex energy to the show, and Nicky’s internal conflict between love, loyalty, and self-identity gave the character real emotional depth. His departure, though romantic, left many narrative threads untied — including unresolved tension with his father Caleb and the impact his choices had on others in the village.

Soap operas thrive on unfinished business — and Nicky Milligan’s story is far from over. Whether he returns for redemption, revenge, or romance, his reentry could shake Emmerdale to its core once again. Fans are already buzzing on social media, sharing theories about how his comeback might tie into future plotlines — especially if Steph’s absence creates a void that needs filling.

For now, Lewis Cope is fully immersed in the world of sequins, samba, and standing ovations. But as any Emmerdale viewer knows, once a villager, always a villager. The door to the Dales never truly closes, and Nicky Milligan’s story might only be paused, not ended.