Lewis Cope splits from long-term girlfriend after Strictly stint

Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, 31, has ended his decade-long relationship with West End star Rachel, sources say ^[1]. The split comes just a year after Cope’s stint on Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with Katya Jones. Fans noticed the couple stopped posting romantic content over the summer, leading to speculation that the relationship had run its course.

A source told The Sun the split was amicable, with both parties believing it was for the best ^[1]. Despite concerns about the so-called 'Strictly curse', Cope previously said his girlfriend wasn’t troubled by his on-stage partnerships, noting he’d kissed many people in his acting career.

Cope joins a long line of celebrities who’ve split from long-term partners after appearing on the BBC dance show. The phenomenon dates back to the first series, when Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole sparked affair rumours, leading to Kaplinsky ending her relationship and Cole breaking off his engagement to Camilla Dallerup ^[2].

Other notable cases include Joe Calzaghe, who split from his girlfriend just a week into the show before beginning a four-year romance with partner Kristina Rihanoff ^[3]. Rachel Riley also ended her marriage during her Strictly run, later confirming she began dating her partner Pasha Kovalev after the show concluded.

While some, like Riley, argue the show merely exposes pre-existing issues rather than causing them, the pattern persists ^[3]. The most infamous moment came in 2018 when Katya Jones and Seann Walsh were caught kissing, forcing a public apology ^[1].

The idea that the show triggers breakups—often referred to as the 'Strictly curse'—has not been confirmed, though it remains a topic of ongoing speculation ^[1]. A spokesperson for Cope declined to comment, and Rachel’s representatives were approached. The couple’s split has reignited debate over whether the dance competition brings out hidden tensions or actively fuels romantic entanglements.

What happens next remains unclear—whether Cope will enter a new relationship or take time to reflect remains to be seen. The story was first reported by Mirror and Daily Mail Showbiz.