Strictly Come Dancing Star Lewis Cope Splits From Long-Term Girlfriend Rachel Lopez After Eight Years

Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has reportedly ended his relationship with West End performer Rachel Lopez after eight years together. The news has reignited discussion surrounding the so-called “Strictly curse”, although neither Cope nor Lopez has publicly confirmed the reason for their separation.

Actor Lewis Cope has reportedly separated from his long-term girlfriend, Rachel Lopez, after almost a decade together.

The 31-year-old, known for his role in ITV soap opera Emmerdale, is said to have ended the relationship with Lopez, a performer associated with London’s West End theatre scene, towards the end of summer 2026.

The reported breakup comes around a year after Cope competed on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones. Their performances attracted considerable attention, and the pair were regarded by many viewers as strong contenders for the series title.

News of the separation has prompted fresh speculation about the programme’s notorious nickname, the “Strictly curse”, a term used by the media to describe relationship difficulties sometimes experienced by contestants during or after their participation.

However, there is no confirmed evidence that Cope’s appearance on the dance competition caused the breakup.

A Relationship That Lasted Eight Years

Cope and Lopez had maintained a relatively private relationship despite their careers in the entertainment industry. Over the years, they occasionally shared glimpses of their life together on social media, giving fans an insight into their romance.

According to reports, the couple decided to part ways during the summer after concluding that their relationship had run its course.

An unnamed source quoted by The Sun suggested that the decision was mutual and that both parties believed separation was the right outcome.

Neither Cope nor Lopez has publicly provided a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the reported split. Cope’s representative declined to comment when approached by the newspaper, while representatives for Lopez were also contacted.

The lack of an official statement means that speculation about the reasons behind the breakup should be treated cautiously.

Fans began questioning whether the couple were still together after noticing that they had become less visible on each other’s social media accounts. Although such changes can prompt curiosity, they do not independently establish that a relationship has ended.

Lewis Cope’s Journey on Strictly Come Dancing

Cope joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, partnering with Katya Jones, one of the programme’s established professional dancers.

The pair quickly developed a reputation for ambitious routines and strong performances. Their progress through the competition generated considerable enthusiasm, with many viewers expecting them to reach the final.

Their journey ended unexpectedly in the quarter-finals, leaving Jones visibly emotional.

During subsequent appearances, Jones spoke about how difficult the elimination had been, admitting that she had questioned whether she wanted to return for another series.

Cope, meanwhile, offered reassurance to his professional partner, praising her work and supporting her through the disappointment.

Their close partnership on the dance floor was widely discussed by viewers, but there has been no substantiated claim that their professional relationship extended into a romance.

Jones returned to the programme for the 2026 series, partnering with YouTube personality John Nellis.

Cope Previously Addressed Concerns About the Strictly Curse

Before competing on the show, Cope had spoken about his relationship with Lopez and the attention that could accompany a celebrity’s participation in the dance competition.

He explained that his work as an actor had already involved performing intimate scenes and kissing fellow performers on stage or on screen.

According to his earlier comments, Lopez understood the demands of his profession and was comfortable with the nature of his work.

Cope also indicated that concerns about the so-called “Strictly curse” had not become an issue between them. He described Lopez as a major source of support and suggested that his participation in the programme had not created tension in their relationship.

The reported breakup has therefore surprised some followers who previously viewed the couple as secure.

Nevertheless, the timing of their separation does not establish a connection with the dance show or its professional performers.

What Is the Strictly Curse?

The expression “Strictly curse” has been used for years to describe romantic relationships that reportedly break down around the time a celebrity competes on Strictly Come Dancing.

The programme requires contestants to spend long hours rehearsing with their professional partners, often developing a close working relationship under considerable pressure.

The combination of physical proximity, intense training and public attention can fuel speculation about romantic chemistry, particularly when couples perform intimate routines.

Several former contestants have experienced relationship changes during or after their time on the programme. However, each situation has its own circumstances, and the label is a media shorthand rather than evidence of a common cause.

The term has also attracted criticism for encouraging assumptions about contestants’ private lives based on their on-screen performances.

In Cope’s case, there is no confirmed information establishing that Katya Jones played any role in his reported separation from Lopez.

Katya Jones and Lewis Cope’s Professional Partnership

Jones and Cope became one of the notable partnerships of the 2025 series because of their strong dancing and apparent rapport.

Their quarter-final exit was particularly disappointing for Jones, who later reflected on the pressure of meeting expectations throughout the competition.

The professional dancer has described the programme as an intense commitment that requires considerable emotional and physical energy. Her experience with Cope left her uncertain about whether she wanted to return, although she ultimately decided to compete again.

Jones has not publicly been identified as a cause of Cope’s reported breakup.

The distinction between a close professional partnership and a romantic relationship is important, especially when discussing individuals whose work requires them to perform together in front of millions of viewers.

What Happens Next for Lewis Cope and Rachel Lopez?

For now, the reported separation marks the end of a relationship that lasted eight years, but few details have been made public about the couple’s plans or personal circumstances.

Cope continues to be associated with his acting career, including his work on Emmerdale, while Lopez has pursued her own professional activities in theatre and performance.

Whether either will speak publicly about the breakup remains uncertain.

The story has generated renewed interest because of Cope’s recent television appearance, but it is important not to confuse speculation with confirmed information.

Until either party provides further details, the reasons for the reported separation remain private.

For supporters of the couple, the news represents the reported end of a long-standing romance. For Strictly Come Dancing viewers, it has once again revived debate about the programme’s reputation for placing relationships under the spotlight.