Strictly Come Dancing’s Lewis Cope has shared an emotional statement following the end of his journey on the BBC competition.
Lewis Cope has offered an insight into his devastating exit from Strictly Come Dancing and disclosed the impact it’s had on his partner as he shared an emotional post on social media. The actor issued a heartfelt statement regarding his stint on the BBC dancing programme and confessed the journey was “tough” on his girlfriend of eight years, Rachel.
The 30-year-old Emmerdale star became the most recent celebrity to depart the competition after losing the judges’ decision in Sunday evening’s dance-off against Amber Davies.
During the show, his partner Katya Jones was reduced to tears and declared she’d finally discovered a partner who could “match” her abilities in Lewis.
The Hartlepool-born performer has now spoken candidly about his experience on the programme, describing Katya as “extraordinary, strong, bold, funny, intelligent” and his 11 weeks on the series as a “life changing experience” that will remain with him forever – whilst also acknowledging it “has been tough” on his girlfriend Rachel Lopez, reports the Mirror.
He began: “Katya Jones you are my hero mush. You are the most extraordinary, strong, bold, funny, intelligent, caring, fun, beautiful, hard working, talented, honest, special and courageous human.
“From the moment I met you I knew something special was about to happen. We clicked, the energy aligned, our values connected and we knew we were going to give this our best shot.
“You handled this unknown experience for me with grace and kindness and it has created the most beautiful, heartwarming memories. We didn’t stop laughing and singing for 12 weeks.
“We really did give it everything! I am so proud of us and I wouldn’t change a thing! Your strengths rubbed off on me and we were a solid team. We always had each others back.
“You taught me how to embrace new emotions I was scared to, brought me out my shell and have ultimately changed me. I didn’t just fall in love with dance, I fell in ln love with life again.”
Lewis went on: “To everyone that supported us and voted for us thank you so much, I have never felt so elevated.
“This show has brought me so much joy and I’m glad we could share the joy with you. There are so many moments that will live with me forever and I am so grateful I was lucky enough to experience them. Hartlepool, my family I will never not be grateful for the love I have received.”
He then addressed his partner Rachel, saying: “I know this experience has been tough but you have been there every step of the way with love. You are a diamond, I love you so much!
“@BBCStrictly @KatyaJones thank you for this life changing experience, you were the gift that kept on giving. My heart is full. I’m sad it’s over but I’m happy it happened. Thank you for watching.”
Lewis’ girlfriend Rachel became a familiar face cheering from the audience during live performances and kept her social media followers updated on his journey throughout the competition.
He was showered in support from fans after his post, with one writing: “You two have been the best couple we could have asked for. You delivered us something amazing to watch every single week !Your journey was cut short far too early but you’d already won in so many people’s eyes. Lewis you did yourself, your family, Katya, Rachel & Hartlepool proud …… You’ll be a Strictly Star forever.”
Katya also commented, saying: “Lewis Cope- you didn’t need to win a trophy to win nation’s hearts.”
Meanwhile, Amy Dowden wrote: “Lewis you are such a talent, a superstar but most importantly a very lovely humble soul. You and Katya have been absolutely phenomenal and your numbers will go down in strictly history. Be proud of yourselves and hold your heads up high!”
Tess Daly, Dianne Buswell and Motsi Mabuse also shared their support in the comments.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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