Strictly’s Lewis Cope Receives Heartfelt Support from Girlfriend After Controversy

Lewis Cope, a notable contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, has garnered significant attention after a recent performance. His girlfriend, Rachel Lopez, publicly expressed her support following some criticism he faced from judges.

Performance Overview

During the quarter-finals on December 6, Lewis and his dance partner, Katya Jones, performed a salsa to “Dance At The Gym” from West Side Story. The competition during Musicals Week was intense, with five couples aiming to impress both the judges and the audience before the series finale on December 20.

Judges’ Reactions

The duo received mixed feedback. They scored 35 points, placing them joint second on the leaderboard alongside fellow contestants Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, as well as George Clarke and Alexis Warr.

• Shirley Ballas remarked, “It wasn’t your best dance, for me, by far.”
• Craig Revel Horwood echoed her sentiment, stating, “We have seen you dance better.”
• Conversely, Anton Du Beke praised Lewis for his “incredible physicality,” indicating a more positive view of their effort.

Post-Performance Comments

After their dance, Lewis humorously mentioned he enjoyed it until he heard the judges’ critiques. Katya, reflecting on her approach, stated, “It’s my motto for life – more is more,” emphasizing her desire for an equally enthusiastic partner.

Support from Rachel Lopez

Despite the mixed reviews, Rachel Lopez took to social media to commend Lewis. She expressed immense pride in his strength and talent, stating, “I am so beyond proud of you. Your strength is like nothing I have ever seen. So beautiful inside and out.”

Social Media Reactions

Viewers of the show shared varied opinions regarding the song choice for the salsa performance. Many felt the song was not suitable, expressing disappointment across social media platforms.

• One user noted, “That song was HORRIBLE for a salsa.”
• Another commented, “Lewis and Katya were done dirty by the producers – terrible song choice for a salsa.”
• Fans expressed concerns that the music detracted from Lewis’s overall performance.

Conclusion

Lewis Cope continues to show resilience in the competitive world of dance. With the support of his girlfriend Rachel and a loyal fan base, he looks to improve in the upcoming performances as the series approaches its exciting conclusion.