Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola during rehearsals at a London dance studio ahead of the opening of the Strictly Come Dancing live UK tour, which begins its 30-date tour on January 19. Picture date: Wednesday January 10, 2024. PA Photo. Celebrities including Angela Scanlon, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Annabel Croft, Bobby Brazier and Elllie Leach will join the Strictly professional dancers on the tour across the UK. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire(Image: PA)

Strictly's Vito Coppola flooded with support after fans says he 'ditched' Ellie Leach in new role

Vito Coppola was back on our screens last weekend as he made his debut with new celebrity dance partner Sarah Hadland, nine months after he and Ellie Leach won the 2023 series

by · NottinghamshireLive

Ellie Leach's friendship with Vito Coppola appears to be going strong, despite some unfortunate comments on one of his recent social media posts. Last weekend, Vito was spotted with his new celebrity dance partner, actress Sarah Hadland, nine months after he and former Coronation Street star Ellie won the Glitterball trophy in the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final.

In the first week of the BBC One dance contest, Sarah and reigning champion Vito scored an impressive 30 points for their quickstep to Dolly Parton's classic '9 To 5'. After their performance, Sarah and Vito were among the first couples to share a debrief on the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two with hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East.

On Monday (September 23), the new pair looked fabulous in matching outfits - black waistcoats and skinny trousers - during their appearance on the BBC2 show. However, some Strictly fans may recall that Vito and Ellie used to wear matching outfits for their appearances on It Takes Two, leading to criticism of Vito for 'ditching Ellie', while other fans defended him.

Ellie has demonstrated their strong bond as she posted a heartfelt tribute to Vito on his birthday this past Friday (September 27). The actress took to Instagram to share a photo montage of the duo, with the main image capturing them together earlier this month when Strictly won a National Television Award at the annual ceremony.

In her post, Ellie, 23, wrote: "Happy birthday to the light of my life. Hope your day is as special as you are to me! I love you so much! @vitocoppola.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

She followed up the post with a picture from a magazine photoshoot last year and added: "Love you always," accompanied by a fingers crossed emoji. This comes after Ellie and Vito performed their 'last dance' together.

As per tradition, they returned for the launch of the 2024 series for one final performance - at least on the BBC One show. They recreated their captivating Paso Doble to Insomnia by Faithless, which they first performed during week five of last year's series.

During the original performance, it earned them their first 10 of the 2023 series from judge Motsi Mabuse, who praised their performance as the 'best of the season so far'. After the show and their performance, Ellie shared new backstage photos of them recording their last dance and wrote: "And just like that, we danced our last dance. What a joy it was to step on that dance floor one last time with you @vitocoppola."

She expressed her heartfelt emotions, saying: "You are my sunshine and I will forever cherish the memories we have made! Thank you all again for your continued support, we love you all. Here's to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing 2024! " Vito quickly joined in the conversation with his response to the post, commenting: "Babyyyyyy Yes you are right but we still have many other memories yet to come and to make. We know! It was magical and I am so so proud of you! ! ! Cannot wait to see what life is going to bring you next. Let's surprise us #theaubergineteam."