Lewis Cope Partner: Everything About the Actor’s Relationship

Lewis Cope is currently in a long-term relationship with his partner, Rachel Maya Lopez, a professional Pilates instructor and actress from Ireland. The couple has been together for approximately nine years, maintaining a strong and supportive bond that predates Lewis’s rise to national fame on Emmerdale. Rachel has been a constant fixture in Lewis’s public life, frequently appearing in his social media posts and supporting him from the sidelines during his high-profile stint on Strictly Come Dancing in late 2025.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Lewis Cope’s romantic history, his family’s unique background as one of 14 children, and the professional milestones that have defined his career. We also explore how his partner, Rachel, navigated the “Strictly curse” rumors and her role in helping him prepare for his most demanding television roles to date.

Who is Lewis Cope’s Partner?

Lewis Cope’s partner is Rachel Maya Lopez, an accomplished actress and wellness professional. The two have built a life together over nearly a decade, often sharing glimpses of their travels and home renovation projects with their followers on Instagram.

Rachel is not just a supportive partner but a professional in her own right, specializing in Pilates and acupuncture. Her background in physical wellness proved invaluable when Lewis joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, as she helped him maintain the physical stamina required for professional-level ballroom dancing.

How Long Have They Been Together?

The couple officially began their relationship around 2016 or 2017, marking nearly nine years of partnership as of early 2026. They have remained remarkably stable despite the pressures of the entertainment industry and Lewis’s transition from soap star to reality TV favorite.

Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual professional respect, with Lewis often citing Rachel as his “rock.” During his time on Emmerdale, Lewis revealed that Rachel would frequently help him run lines and prepare for the intense emotional scenes required for his character, Nicky Miligan.

Rachel Maya Lopez’s Career

Rachel Maya Lopez is a multi-talented professional who balances a career in the performing arts with a dedicated practice in health and fitness. As an actress, she understands the unique demands of the industry, which Lewis has noted helps them maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Beyond acting, Rachel is a certified Pilates instructor and has been pursuing studies in acupuncture. Her dedication to health is a frequent theme in their joint activities, including a pre-Strictly holiday in Naxos, Greece, where she reportedly led Lewis through daily movement sessions to prepare him for the competition.

Lewis Cope on Strictly Come Dancing

In August 2025, Lewis Cope was announced as a late-addition contestant for the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing. He stepped in to replace actor Kristian Nairn, who had to withdraw due to health concerns, and was paired with professional dancer Katya Jones.

Lewis quickly became a fan favorite, achieving the series’ first perfect score of 40 during Halloween Week. Throughout the competition, Rachel was seen frequently in the audience at Elstree Studios, cheering him on and debunking any rumors regarding the “Strictly curse” by maintaining a friendly relationship with Katya Jones.

The “Strictly Curse” and Relationship Strength

Lewis Cope has been vocal about the strength of his relationship with Rachel, particularly regarding the physical nature of his work. He famously told The Sun that Rachel is “used to him kissing boys” and girls on screen, so the intimacy of ballroom dance was never a point of contention.

Rachel and Katya Jones met early in the production, and the trio maintained a supportive dynamic. Lewis credited this lack of jealousy to the fact that they have been together for so long and have a high level of trust established over their nine-year history.

Lewis Cope’s Early Life and Family

Lewis was born on March 19, 1995, in Hartlepool, England, and comes from an exceptionally large family. He is one of 14 siblings, a fact that he often cites as the source of his competitive drive and grounded nature.

While many of his brothers pursued careers in professional boxing—with three winning Northern Area titles—Lewis was drawn to the arts. He made his professional debut at age 13 in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, proving his talent for performance early on.

Career Highlights: From Emmerdale to Vera

Most viewers recognize Lewis Cope from his role as Nicky Miligan on the ITV soap Emmerdale. Joining in 2022, his character was involved in one of the show’s most dramatic “secret identity” storylines, eventually departing the village in July 2024.

Before his soap fame, Lewis appeared in several prestigious British dramas. His credits include:

• Vera (2021): Playing Marcus Hynde.
• Doctors (2019): Playing Tom Griffiths.
• Hetty Feather (2019): Portraying the character Wilfred.
• Mrs Sidhu Investigates (2023): Playing Lenny Lowe.

Practical Information for Fans

If you are looking to see Lewis perform live, he often participates in regional theatre and charity events. Fans can expect him to appear in upcoming TV pilots following his successful run on Strictly in late 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lewis Cope married? 

No, as of early 2026, Lewis Cope is not married. He remains in a long-term, committed relationship with his girlfriend of nine years, Rachel Maya Lopez.

Who is Lewis Cope’s girlfriend? 

His girlfriend is Rachel Maya Lopez, an Irish actress and professional Pilates instructor. She is also a student of acupuncture and a frequent collaborator on his fitness routines.

Does Lewis Cope have children? 

No, Lewis Cope does not have any children of his own. However, he is an uncle to over 16 nieces and nephews from his 13 siblings.

How many siblings does Lewis Cope have? 

Lewis has 13 siblings (14 children in total in the family). He is the 10th oldest among his brothers and sisters.

What happened to Lewis Cope on Strictly? 

Lewis reached the quarter-finals of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 with partner Katya Jones. He was eliminated during Musicals Week after a shock dance-off against Amber Davies.

Where is Lewis Cope from? 

He was born and raised in Hartlepool, County Durham, England. He later moved to London to pursue his acting and musical theatre career.

Was Lewis Cope a professional dancer? 

While Lewis performed in Billy Elliot as a child and was part of a street dance crew called Ruff Diamond, he considers himself an actor first. He has clarified that he never trained professionally in ballroom or Latin dance.

Are Lewis Cope and Katya Jones still friends? 

Yes, Lewis and Katya formed a very close bond during the show. Lewis described her as a “hero” and a “diamond” in his exit post on social media.

What is Lewis Cope’s height? 

Lewis Cope is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm), a height that served him well both as a leading man in Emmerdale and on the dance floor.

Will Lewis Cope return to Emmerdale? 

While his character Nicky Miligan left the show in 2024, Lewis has stated in interviews that the “door is always open” for a potential return to the Dales.

Final Thoughts

Lewis Cope and his partner, Rachel Maya Lopez, remain one of the most resilient and grounded couples in the British entertainment industry as of 2026. Their relationship, which has spanned nearly a decade, successfully navigated the high-pressure environment of Strictly Come Dancing and the intense fan scrutiny that follows soap stardom.

By prioritizing transparency and mutual professional support, the couple has managed to maintain a private yet authentic bond. As Lewis continues to expand his career into new television and stage roles throughout 2026, Rachel remains a central figure in his life, proving that long-term stability is possible even under the brightest spotlights.

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