Key Highlights
- Lewis Cope’s last-minute inclusion in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing
- Praises his 14 siblings and single mother for support throughout life
- Long-term relationship with girlfriend Rachel Lopez, who supports him on social media
- Cope’s performance garners mixed reviews from judges during Musicals Week
Lewis Cope’s Journey in Strictly Come Dancing
Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope found himself thrust into the spotlight of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing this December, when he was drafted last minute to replace Kristian Nairn due to medical reasons. His involvement in the show has brought a mix of excitement and plot twists, much like the Christmas special itself.
A Last-Minute Inclusion
Cope, who was already facing a whirlwind December with his 14 siblings, quickly adapted to the ballroom scene. As a former student at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and a hip-hop dancer turned actor, Cope brought a unique blend of talent and enthusiasm into the competition.
Family Support System
Raised in County Durham with 13 siblings and a single mother named Bee, Cope spoke about his upbringing as a “constant circle of moving feet, of laughter and mischievousness.” His mother’s unwavering support has been crucial; he shared how she ferried him to Newcastle several nights a week for an entire year when he was 11. This training eventually led to his role in the stage musical Billy Elliot, where he played Michael, Billy’s gay best friend.
Despite the challenges of managing such a large family, Cope praised his mother’s strength and resilience, stating, “Dealing with 14 sets of needs, I don’t know how the hell she did it on her own.” His mother’s support was instrumental in his early career successes, including his role in Billy Elliot, which allowed him to move down to London at age 13.
Love Life and Supportive Girlfriend
Lewis Cope’s personal life is just as interesting as his professional one. He has been with his girlfriend, Rachel Lopez, a Pilates instructor and actress from Ireland, for about nine years now. Their relationship is evident in the support they provide each other; Rachel often shares family photos on Instagram to show her backing of Lewis’ Strictly debut.
Rachel’s messages to Cope after their performance in Musicals Week were nothing short of encouraging: “I am so beyond proud of you.
Your strength is like nothing I have ever seen. So beautiful inside and out.” These words from his long-term partner underscore the importance of having a supportive other half during high-pressure situations.
Performance Review
During this week’s Musicals Week, Cope and Katya Jones performed a salsa to “Dance At The Gym” from West Side Story. While the competition was fierce, their performance received mixed feedback. Judge Shirley Ballas commented, “It wasn’t your best dance, for me, by far,” while Craig Revel Horwood agreed that Cope had room for improvement.
However, Anton Du Beke disagreed and highlighted his “incredible physicality.” The support from his family, including siblings and mother, undoubtedly played a role in mitigating the backstage nerves.
Cope’s last-minute inclusion has provided him with an unexpected opportunity to shine on the Strictly stage, and he seems to be embracing it wholeheartedly. With the final looming on December 20th, his journey is far from over as he continues to perform alongside his rock-solid support system of family and friends.
