Overview

• Cope is set to perform a Jive to The Temptations’ Get Ready on the opening live show on September 27.
• He joined the lineup after Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn withdrew on medical grounds, with Nairn and producers sharing well-wishes for his recovery.
• Cope says his onboarding took about 24 hours from the initial call through medical checks and first movements with a professional dancer.
• He recalls receiving the confirmation phone call while walking down Oxford Street, describing the late notice as helpful for his nerves.
• He is paired with 2017 champion Katya Jones, and former Emmerdale co-stars Beth Cordingly, Will Ash and Natalie J. Robb plan to support him in the audience.