STRICTLY Come Dancing star Lewis Cope was all smile as he left his hotel with his rarely-seen girlfriend ahead of Saturday’s live show.
The actor – who has been dazzling on the BBC One series – was seen enjoying his downtime with partner Rachel Maya Lopez.
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Strictly Come Dancing’s Lewis Cope and his rarely seen longterm girlfriend Rachel Maya Lopez were all smiles as they left their hotelCredit: ISO
The actor, 30, clutched his phone as he headed on a break from trainingCredit: ISO
It came just days after Katya and Lewis were embroiled in a ‘favouritism’ rowCredit: PA
While Lewis, 30, braved the autumn chill in a white T-Shirt, Rachel wrapped up in a green jumper and red jacket.
The pair have been together for seven years and regularly share glamorous posts of them galavanting around the UK and the world.
Yet they’re currently staying firmly on home turf as the former soap star competes for Strictly‘s iconic Glitterball Trophy.
Lewis clutched his phone in his hand as the pair exited their accomodation.
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They looked in high spirits as Lewis – who previously gushed how Rachel was his source of support during the series – took a rare break from training.
Rachel, who is from Ireland, is also in the acting world as well as being a professional Pilates instructor.
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Lewis previously exclusively told The Sun how Rachel “doesn’t bat an eyelid” by the fact he’s paired with stunning Strictly pro Katya Jones.
In an exclusive interview with the Sun on Sunday Lewis said: “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 never been a conversation between us.”
He added: “Rachel has supported me all the way, she is my biggest supporter, she sends me into rehearsals with a packed lunch, she really looks after me.
“Just before I got onto the show, we managed to get a holiday with just the two of us, she booked us a studio, and she was getting me moving.
“She is fantastic and amazing.”
JUDGES’ FAVES?
After Saturday’s Week Seven live show aired, Strictly fans were quick to insist Kayta and Lewis were the judges’ favourites.
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Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
They even went as far to suggest the judging panel are “pushing” Lewis to win.
Lewis – who has previously come under fire for his prior dancing experience – and his dance partner Katya, were up first for week seven of the hit BBC show.
Because of how the pair were opening the show to perform their Cha Cha, fans thought this was a telling sign that the former Emmerdale actor might be a favourite among the show’s bosses.
“Lewis and Katya first….let the favouritism begin…” said one person.
While a second penned: “Lewis going first again. Didn’t he go first a couple of weeks ago…”
Following Lewis and Katya‘s Cha Cha, the scores came in from the judges at a total of 35 out of 40.
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Craig Revel Horwood gave the pair an 8, while Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke each gave the duo a 9.
This comes the week after Lewis and Katya scored a perfect score of 40, and were the first couple to do so this series.
Viewers accused the judges of being biased towards the pair as they opened Saturday’s showCredit: PA
Lewis and Rachel have been together for seven yearsCredit: Instagram
Lewis previously told how there was no prospect of the Strictly curse hitting the coupleCredit: Instagram
