Key Highlights
- Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope reveals his girlfriend’s support for his partnership with Katya Jones.
- Rachel Lopez, Cope’s girlfriend of seven years, remains supportive despite the potential scrutiny from their relationship being in the spotlight.
- Cope addresses past criticism about his dancing experience, explaining it was gained during childhood dance classes.
- The couple shared a private holiday just before Cope’s participation on Strictly Come Dancing to keep their lives balanced.
Behind-the-Scenes of ‘Strictly’ on the Dance Floor
Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope has opened up about his relationship with girlfriend Rachel Lopez, revealing how her support sustains him during his dance journey. The 30-year-old actor, best known for his role in Emmerdale, shared insights into balancing their personal life with the pressures of being a professional dancer on television.
Rachel’s Supportive Role
“Over the years I’ve had to kiss a lot of people on stage or onscreen, so she’s used to me kissing boys,” Cope said in an exclusive interview. “It hasn’t been a problem.” He added that Katya Jones and Rachel have met, but it has never become a conversation between them about his dancing partnership.
Cope’s girlfriend, Rachel Lopez, is a pilates instructor who has been by his side for seven years. She sends him into rehearsals with a packed lunch and looks after him in every way possible. “Rachel has supported me all the way, she is my biggest supporter,” Cope emphasized. He recalled that just before joining the show, they managed to get a holiday together, where Rachel booked them a studio to help him stay active.
Addressing Past Criticisms
Cope, who has been on Strictly Come Dancing for only one season and received his first 10 this month (October), has faced criticism over his previous dance experience. He explained that “dance classes are more accessible in towns like Hartlepool than singing or acting” and were the gateway into the entertainment industry for him.
“I didn’t train professionally as a dancer, I just danced as a child,” Cope said. This background helped him when he joined the show, where he has impressed with his dance skills despite having limited experience in professional dance competitions.
The Future of Strictly Come Dancing
When asked about how his relationship with Rachel impacts his performance on the show, Cope said, “Rachel is coming up with ideas and concepts, I know that what she is putting out there is the best we can do.” He added, “What you see on a Saturday night is not what is going on during the week at all. I have so much trust in her.”
Despite the challenges of maintaining his dancing career while keeping personal life balanced, Cope remains grateful for Rachel’s support. His relationship with Katya Jones adds another layer to his public persona but does not seem to be a source of conflict or concern for him.
The relationship between Lewis Cope and Rachel Lopez continues to thrive, providing a supportive foundation as he pursues his career on Strictly Come Dancing. As the show progresses, their journey will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences, showcasing both professional growth and personal commitment.
