Inside Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope’s off-camera life with 13 siblings and famous girlfriend
Lewis has revealed the staggering number of nieces and nephews he has
LEWIS Cope has been popular from the start on this year’s run of Strictly Come Dancing.
He’s got everything going for him – from smouldering good looks that fans are more than fond of, and acting and dance skilss that he’s shown off in Emmerdale, and in a West End production of Billy Elliot.
What’s lesser known about the Strictly contestant though, is how he has a famous girlfriend, as well as a huge family.
Lewis has been dating Rachel Lopez – an actress and pilates instructor – for around seven years.
His biggest fan
She’s his biggest supporter off-screen, and has reportedly even run lines with him to help him prep for his acting gigs.
Lewis said: “If I’ve got a really heavy day, then my partner, Rachel, she’ll help me fly through them [the lines].
Rachel’s acting is more on the stage than screen, though she did appear as Ruby in Les Miserables – a Sky Arts series that celebrated the works of Les Dawson.
When the loved up duo aren’t supporting one another’s careers, they can be found jetting off around the world exploring different islands in scenic locations.
Speaking about their joint love of travel on Instagram, Rachel said on one of their more recent holiday snaps: “We made it to Naxos & Paros – grateful doesn’t even cut it!
“I’m addicted to travelling to the most beautiful islands in the world with you @lewiscope 5 years in a row.
“May as well keep the tradition going.”
Between his Strictly lives and rehearsals, as well as travelling with his lady, Lewis has a lot of family to catch up with – and we mean, a lot.
Family first
Lewis shocked Strictly viewers when he first revealed that he has 13 siblings.
And if that number didn’t already seem large enough, he has a further 16 nieces and nephews.
Some of his family members have been spotted in the Strictly audience supporting from the sidelines, including one of his brothers who funnily entered a giveaway to win free tickets to see the show and ended up winning.
Chatting to The Mirror, Lewis shared that he hoped his “whole family” would get to see him perform on the show at least once.
There isn’t much info out there about Lewis’ brothers and sisters, though it is known that Lewis is the tenth eldest in the bustling brood.
Three of his brothers – Adam, Danny and Peter – got into competitive boxing with success, all managing to win a Northern arena title.
Boxing Clever
Lewis also enjoys the sport on occasion, though admitted it was more a way to spend time with his brothers than for a hidden boxing passion when he was younger.
“I boxed and still train now, but back then it was more a social thing to be with my brothers – that’s what I enjoyed.”
“Being from a working-class town 20 years ago, there was always that bit of pressure but my family were so supportive that I never felt it.”
A number of Lewis’ nephews have started dance lessons since he began his Strictly journey, inspired by what they’re seeing him do.
Lewis hopes he can continue in the competition, as well as keep inspiring the younger members of his family to pursue whatever their heart desires.
“I have got 16 nieces and nephews, and I think there will be more and more, but I try and give them the mentality that anything is possible.
“I want to make them understand that because someone around them hasn’t done it, it doesn’t mean they can’t.
“You are not limited to what’s around you, you can do it.”
