Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has reportedly split from his girlfriend, West End performer Rachel Lopez, after eight years together.
The 31-year-old soap star was supported by Rachel during his time on the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he danced with professional Katya Jones. The pair were eliminated during the quarter finals of the BBC show after landing in the dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
Reported split
According to The Sun, the couple "quietly parted ways" at the end of summer 2026. A source told the publication: "It seems that things really are over between Lewis and Rachel.
"They had a great relationship but some good things must come to an end. It will be a shock for their supporters but they think the decision is for the best."
Support during Strictly
Lewis previously revealed how Rachel supported him during rehearsals, telling The Sun: "She sends me into rehearsals with a packed lunch, really looks after me."
He said: "Just before [Strictly] we managed a holiday together. She booked us a studio in Naxos and got me moving with Pilates and exercise. She is fantastic and amazing."
But he admitted in December 2025 that the show had been "tough" on Rachel, writing to her on social media: "I know this experience has been tough, but you have been there every step of the way with love. You are a diamond, I love you so much!"
Final moments and public appearances
After being eliminated from Strictly, Lewis told his pro partner Katya: "From the moment I met you I knew something special was about to happen. We clicked, the energy aligned, our values connected and we knew we were going to give this our best shot."
He added: "You handled this unknown experience for me with grace and kindness and it has created the most beautiful, heartwarming memories. We didn't stop laughing and singing for 12 weeks. We really did give it everything! I am so proud of us and I wouldn't change a thing! Your strengths rubbed off on me and we were a solid team. We always had each others' backs.
"You taught me how to embrace new emotions I was scared to, brought me out my shell and have ultimately changed me. I didn't just fall in love with dance, I fell in love with life again."
Lewis and Rachel last posed publicly together in August, when they posted a video of them dancing together on the beach. Daily Star has contacted Lewis' representative for comment.
