Picture this: stepping into the spotlight week after week, mastering jaw-dropping dance moves under intense pressure – that's the thrilling world of Lewis Cope on this season's Strictly Come Dancing. Last week, the talented former Emmerdale actor stunned audiences with a mesmerizing paso doble, snagging the show's very first perfect '10' score. But beyond the sequins and choreography, Lewis's life is packed with personal joys, from his actress-and-Pilates-instructor girlfriend to an astonishing family of 13 siblings. Stick around, because we're diving deep into what makes this star tick off the dance floor – and trust me, it's a story that's equal parts inspiring and eyebrow-raising.
Let's kick things off with his girlfriend. Lewis has been in a committed relationship with Rachel Lopez, a skilled actress and Pilates instructor, for eight whole years. The pair often posts adorable couple photos on social media, showcasing their shared passion for adventure. Rachel once captioned an Instagram post about their trips: 'We've just conquered Naxos and Paros – words can't express how grateful I am! My obsession with exploring these stunning Greek islands with you, @lewiscope, for five years straight means we're definitely making this an ongoing tradition.' For those new to the concept, traveling to places like Naxos and Paros involves soaking up breathtaking beaches and ancient ruins, which adds a romantic layer to their bond.
What really stands out is how Rachel supports Lewis's acting career. He once revealed that they rehearse lines together, especially on hectic days. 'When I'm swamped with scripts, my partner Rachel helps me breeze through them,' he shared. While Lewis has transitioned to TV roles, Rachel thrives on stage, though she did shine as Ruby in the Sky Arts adaptation of Les Misérables, which honored comedian Les Dawson's work. This cross-over in their careers highlights how they build each other up creatively.
But here's where it gets controversial: Lewis hails from an enormous family with 13 siblings and a whopping 16 nieces and nephews. To put that in perspective for beginners, that's like having a built-in cheerleading squad that could fill a small village! Some family members have attended his Strictly performances to show support, including a brother who lucked out with tickets from the show's ballot system rather than a personal invite. In an interview with The Mirror, Lewis expressed his hope that 'my entire family' could witness his live dances throughout the season. It's heartwarming, yet one can't help but wonder – with so many siblings, are there ever rivalries or tensions that stay hidden from the public eye? And this is the part most people miss: Lewis is the tenth-oldest in this sprawling group, which means he's right in the middle of the family dynamic.
Adding to the intrigue, three of his brothers – Adam, Danny, and Peter – pursued competitive boxing, each clinching a Northern area title. Lewis himself boxed and still trains occasionally, viewing it more as a fun way to bond with his siblings back then. 'Growing up in a working-class town two decades ago carried some unspoken pressures, but my family's unwavering support shielded me from that. Plus, having brothers who boxed made it a social activity I truly enjoyed,' he explained. This ties into a broader lesson: family encouragement can turn potential challenges into strengths, fostering resilience.
His success on Strictly is even motivating the younger generation. Lewis mentioned that one of his nephews has taken up dance lessons after watching him perform, proving how role models can spark passions. He added, 'With 16 nieces and nephews – and likely more on the way – I aim to instill in them that anything is achievable. Just because those around you haven't done it doesn't limit you; you can break free from your surroundings and pursue your dreams.' It's a powerful message about empowerment, but here's a thought-provoking counterpoint: in an era where social mobility feels harder, do such large families provide an unfair advantage, or do they sometimes hold people back by reinforcing local norms? We'd love to hear your take – does this family setup sound like a recipe for success, or does it come with unique hurdles? Share your opinions below!
Lewis isn't relying solely on family for backing; he also boasts impressive celebrity pals like soccer legend Sir David Beckham and actor Tom Holland (known for his Spider-Man roles). He first crossed paths with David Beckham during a promotional shoot for the footballer's Bold Instinct fragrance. 'Coming from a family of 14, with most of my brothers being boxers, I chose dance instead. David highlighted my journey to inspire others to stay true to themselves. We filmed for a day, and he interviewed me – what a genuinely kind person,' Lewis recalled. As for Tom, they bonded as kids in stage school, playing best friends Billy and Michael in a Billy Elliot production. 'Back then, he wasn't the Spider-Man star yet; he was just Tom, and I was Lewis – two young boys on our first gig, improvising and laughing through it,' Lewis told The Mirror. They still keep in touch, and Lewis even caught Tom's performance in Romeo & Juliet last year. These connections show how humble beginnings can lead to lasting friendships in the spotlight.
If this peek into Lewis's world has you hooked, you might also enjoy reading about other Strictly stars overcoming challenges, like the support showered on Alex Kingston after her cancer battle, Karen Carney's touching story behind joining the show, or Amber Davies's journey from X Factor contestant to Love Island winner and West End performer. What do you think – is a big family the secret to stardom, or could it complicate things? Agree or disagree with Lewis's outlook on limitless possibilities? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
