Cope had briefly returned to the stage from retirement several time. In 2007, Cope appeared in Bussell's pre-retirement gala at Sadler's Wells Theatre and danced Wheeldon's "Tryst". In Bussell's farewell at the Royal Opera House, Cope presented live coverage alongside Martha Kearney and interviewed Bussell backstage. In 2009, during the Royal Ballet's first tour in Cuba, he stepped in for an injured Rupert Pennefather, who Cope had coached, in "A Month In The Country". In 2012, Cope performed at the London Olympics closing ceremony, in a sequence titled 'Spirit of the Flame', choreographed by Wheeldon and composed by David Arnold. Bussell, who also came out from retirement, flew to the stage on a flaming phoenix and when landing was met by Cope, Gary Avis, Edward Watson, Nehemiah Kish and over 200 ballet dancers, after which the Olympic Flame was extinguished.