Strictly’s Lewis Cope shares girlfriend’s reaction to dance partner Katya Jones and his on-screen kisses
Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope has claimed a conversation surrounding the 'Strictly curse' has never been raised with girlfriend of seven years, Raschel Maya Lopez
Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope left both viewers and the judges in awe following his recent performance, which saw him score a perfect 40 points from all four judges. And while the contestants' dancing ability is a major talking point every series, so too is the subject of the "Strictly curse", which has seen his dance professional dance partner Katya Jones fall victim to.
But in a recent interview, the Emmerdale actor has claimed that has not been a conversation he has had to have with his girlfriend, Rachel Maya Lopez.
In fact he said that she is his biggest supporter and has met Katya many times during his time on the show. The couple has been together for seven years.
In a chat with The Sun, he explained: "Over the years I've had to kiss a lot of people on stage or onscreen, as an actor, so she's used to me kissing boys actually, but it hasn't been a problem. Katya and Rachel have all met, it's [the Strictly curse] never been a conversation between us."
Rachel, who works as a pilates instructor, has been Lewis' "biggest supporter" as she provides him with a packed lunch for when he is in rehearsals.
Lewis scored 10 points from all four judges including Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse.
Lewis moved from his hometown of Hartlepool at the tender age of 10, and relocated to London in a bid to pursue his dreams of performing.
When it emerged that he had a background in performing arts, many called for him to be kicked off the show as they claimed he had an unfair advantage. But this is a claim that has been denied by Lewis.
Despite landing a role in the musical Billy Elliot, Lewis is adamant that he has not been professionally trained as an dancer.
He told The Metro: " I don't really know where all that came from, to be honest, I trained as an actor, I danced a bit when I was a teen, but haven't since."
He continued: "To call me professionally trained or a professional dancer seems a bit bizarre, especially now that I'm working with these pros on the show. It's kind of an insult to them, really, to suggest I'm on their level when they've dedicated their lives to becoming as brilliant as they are."
And in a chat with Radio Times, pro dancer Katya said: "I think everyone's aware that Lewis can move and I’m looking forward to turning him into a ballroom dancer. But his musical theatre experience might be a hindrance. Unlearning habits is harder than blank-canvas learning."
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