Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach jokes she’s ‘jealous’ of Vito Coppola’s new dancing partner
Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach was 'emotional' after she danced for the last time with Vito Coppola after the pair took home the Glitterball trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach has joked she’s “jealous” of Vito Coppola’s new dancing partner on this year’s series. The Coronation Street actress was on Sunday Brunch on Sunday morning (September 15) with comedian Lucy Beaumont, singer Pixie Lott, indie band Blossoms, Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody and Paralympian athlete and presenter Sophia Warner.
Ellie Leach won the BBC dancing show with Vito Coppola in 2023 and returned for the 2024 launch show on BBC One on Saturday evening (September 14). Their chemistry sparked romance rumours on social media and among fans, but the pair denied any relationship.
During Sunday Brunch, Tim Lovejoy talked about the new series of Strictly Come Dancing and asked Ellie: “You’re the reigning Strictly champion at the moment and you were performing last night. How was that?”
Ellie said: “It was amazing. It was so good to be back. Very emotional because it’s the last time that me and Vito will dance.
“But I’m really, really excited for the new series, and excited that everyone’s pairings are out now, and everyone knows who’s partnered with who.”
Tim rattled off a list of Sunday Brunch guests and friends who appear on this year’s series including Nick Knowles, Jamie Gills, Paul Merson and Sarah Hadland.
Ellie Leach was “very emotional” because it’s the last time that she would dance with Vito (
Channel 4)
Actress and comedian Sarah Hadland was paired with Vito Coppola on the launch show on Saturday night (September 14) and Simon Rimmer quipped: “You’re gonna hate Sarah Hadland”.
While Ellie laughed off Simon’s remark, he continued: “What happens is, on the series, you’ll hate it because you go, ‘why are you having jokes with that person? I’m your special person’.
Ellie joked: “I already feel a bit jealous, not going to lie!” as Simon quipped “It’s like seeing your ex with somebody new and laughing”.
After their performance on the launch show, the couple told host Tess Daly they remain close. Vito said: “Don’t worry, I am very present in her life, I often call her at 7am and wake her up.
“She will never get rid of me.”
Vito’s undeniable chemistry with Ellie Leach sparked rumours that their dance partnership had evolved into a romantic relationship. Vito previously shared he used to join Ellie Leach’s family for dinner and expressed that they will always be a part of his life.
Ellie previously made it clear that there was no romance on ITV’s Lorraine Kelly’s show and they were just friends. She said: “Honestly, we’ve just been having the most amazing time dancing, and we built a really strong bond and a friendship that will last forever.”
