Strictly Come Dancing favourite Lewis Cope has split from his famous girlfriend after eight years together. The Emmerdale actor, who competed in the BBC dance series last year, has reportedly ended his romance with Rachel Lopez, best known for her performances on the West End.
The pair had been together for almost a decade, with Rachel supporting Lewis while he danced with professional Katya Jones in the 2025 series of Strictly. According to The Sun, however, the pair “quietly parted ways” at the end of summer 2026.
Source confirms split
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.”
Lewis previously spoke about how Rachel supported him during rehearsals, explaining to The Sun: “She sends me into rehearsals with a packed lunch, really looks after me.”
Support during Strictly
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 Strictly 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!”
Elimination tribute
Upon being eliminated from the programme, 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.
“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 with each other on August 20th, when they posted a cheeky Instagram video of them dancing together on the beach.
