Emmerdale’s Nicky star Lewis Cope’s life off screen with stunning long-time girlfriend

Since first arriving on our screens in December 2022, it’s safe to say Nicky Miligan has captured the attention ofEmmerdalefans everywhere as he and his dad Caleb became the latest additions to the Dingle clan.

Initially arriving on our screens as part of Caleb’s master plan to swindle Kim Tate out of millions, Nicky posed as a nanny at Home Farm while attempting to seduce the mother of Kim’s grandson, Gabby Thomas – in order to get closer to the all important fortune.

After winning over Gabby, the duo formed a couple and were even planning to tie the knot, however Nicky soon revealed their entire relationship had been a sham as he revealed he was actually gay just hours before the ceremony was due to take place.

Horrified by the realisation she had been lied to, a bitter Gabby swore revenge on Nicky, and even enlisted the help of several of her closest friends and relatives to try and have him beaten up or worse, as she begged him to leave the village instead of making Emmerdale his home.

However, Nicky remained unswayed and after apologising to his former girlfriend, dug his heels in and insisted he had just as much right to build a future in the village near his family – something he appears to have done, after falling for chef Suni Sharma.

This week, the couple’s own relationship will be put to the test, when Suni’s dad attempts to blackmail his son over knowing that he's also Jai's father, prompting a reeling Suni, to seek Nicky’s shoulder to cry on as he battles with his own family drama.

Although Nicky may be at the heart of trouble in the dales on our screens, thankfully Lewis Cope, the actor that plays him has been living a far more relaxed life when the cameras aren’t rolling.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lewis’ life off screen…

Emmerdale Debut

Lewis first made a name for himself on Emmerdale in December 2022, when he arrived in the village as brand new nanny Nicky.

At first, Nicky appeared to be a godsend to the Tate household, as he began to take care of Kim Tate’s grandson Thomas, but things soon began to get a lot more complicated after he became embroiled in a plot to steal Kim’s fortune.

Earlier this year, the reason behind his time in the village was revealed to fans when it emerged that Nickywas the grandson of Frank Tate,Kim’s former husband that she had left to die back in 1997.

Urged by his father Caleb to help seek revenge from Kim, Nicky was tasked with seducing Gabby, the mother of Kim’s grandson, to help swindle the farm owner out of every penny she had.

Despite revealing his reservations to his dad, Nicky was bullied into going ahead with the relationship despite admitting he was gay – something which broke the hearts of many fans at home.

Family Life

Away from Emmerdale, Lewis hails from a very large family and is just one of 14 children – something which has seen him blessed with 13 nieces and nephews to dote upon thanks to his siblings.

While Lewis is famous for his acting and modelling career, three of his siblings opted to pursue a far different career path, with his brothers Adam, Danny and Peter each having won the Northern area title as professional fighters!

Preferring instead to act, Lewis kicked off his professional career when he appeared in Billy Elliot: The Musical in London's West End, aged just 11 at the time.

One year later, Lewis moved back home and joined the street dance group Ruff Diamond, who were runners-up in Sky’s Got To Dance in 2013.

Despite a string of credits to his name, at 18 Lewis decided to pursue formal training in drama and has since appeared in shows including Vera, Doctors and Hetty Feather before bagging his coveted soap role.

Stunning Girlfriend

While his alter ego Nicky may not be lucky in love, thankfully Lewis has a far more stable love life away from our screens.

The smitten star is in a relationship with girlfriend Rachel Lopez, who he has been with for around six years.

The pair are often seen posting glamorous and loved up snaps together on Instagram.

As the ultimate power couple, Rachel, who is from Ireland, is also in the acting world as well as being a professional Pilates instructor.

Gushing in a post in December, Lewis wrote alongside a photo of them: “6 years of Dublin at Christmas with you. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Lewis and his girlfriend can be seen enjoying a number of getaways together with Greece being a particular favourite for the two.

Sharing snaps on Instagram, the pair show that they return year after year to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Naxos.

In one photo the pair who are both wearing white outfits take a candid photo as they look out to the sunset in Mykonos with Lewis writing the caption "Thank you for being you”.

Rachel meanwhile gushed on the sweet photo and wrote: "Thank YOU for being you b****y love the heart in you xxxxx”.

Home Renovations

Although, Lewis and Rachel’s life may seem glamorous on the surface, the couple actually revealed a far more down to earth glimpse of their reality, as they took to social media to showcase their DIY renovations at home.

Away from holidays and glamorous interviews, the couple weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty as they tirelessly worked to make their dream home a reality – even if it meant knocking down a few walls and being surrounded by building supplies!

Documenting the process on social media, Rachel told her followers: “ I’d choose the tabloids glamorous versions of reality over mine any day right now!!! Butttt @lewiscope and I are building a dream we’ve had for 5 years now…..there’s no backing out now. I’ll have a bathroom wall again very soon!”

David Beckham Link

It’s not unheard of for soap stars to have friends in high places, but it may surprise some fans to know thatLewis and former England captain David Beckhamhave known each other for years.

David and Lewis have a friendship extending back to 2020, when the duo starred together in an advertising campaign for David’s fragrance Bold Instinct.

Speaking toThe Mirrorabout the unlikely friendship, Lewis, originally from Hartlepool, said: “I’m from a family of 14. Most of my brothers are boxers, but I chose to dance.

“David used my story to encourage people to be themselves. We spent a day filming and he interviewed me; he was such a nice guy.”

It isn’t the only time the pair have worked together either, as Lewis previously also modelled for David Beckham Eyewear, the footballer’s stylish glasses brand.

Lavish Lifestyle

Alongside his showbiz connections, Lewis has delighted fans by showcasing his lavish lifestyle on social media.

One standout aspect of the actor’s life is his love for travelling, with Lewis and Rachel having jetted all over the world to make the most of the sun, sea and sand on several romantic getaways in recent years.

In the past year alone, the actor has treated himself to trips to Budapest, islands Naxos and Mykonos in Greece and Dublin, Ireland.

When he is in the UK, the Hartlepool native enjoys an equally luxurious lifestyle thanks to brand partnerships, and is a regular at swish black tie events.

The actor has worked with David Beckham Eyewear, as well as the former footballer’s fragrance brand, and Calvin Klein.

In addition, the star is also a member of the ultra exclusive Soho House, a club that began in London but has has multiple venues around the world.

Lewis recently posted about treating himself to a getaway at their countryside club, Soho Farmhouse – which is just minutes from the Beckhams' Costwolds estate and countsMeghan Markleas a fan.

Emmerdale continues weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV.

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