BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola defended by fans over 'ditching' Ellie Leach with Sarah Hadland move

Vito Coppola has been defended by fans after being accused of 'ditching' his former Strictly Come Dancing partner Ellie Leach with one move. The Italian dancer is currently taking part in the new series of the BBC One dance contest.

He was seen back in the ballroom over the weekend with new celebrity dance partner Sarah Hadland. Vito and the actress, famed for her role in BBC sitcom Miranda, were among the 15 couples performing as the BBC One dance show officially got underway with week one of the competition on Saturday night (September 21).

On the night, Sarah and reigning champion Vito were awarded a very impressive 30 points following their dance, a quickstep, to the Dolly Parton classic 9 To 5.

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Following their performance, Sarah and Vito were among the first of the couples to share a debrief on week on Strictly spin-off It Takes two with hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East.

While appearing on the BBC2 show on Monday (September 23), the new pairing were seen looking fabulous as they sported matching outfits, consisting of a black waistcoat and black skinny trousers.

Sharing a video to Instagram, set to the Jordin Sparks song 'One Step at a Time', Vito wrote to his fans and followers: "It Takes Two here we goooooo. Team Tiramisù on the road."

But some Strictly fans may remember Vito and Ellie used to wear matching outfits for their appearances on It Takes Two and it led to some criticising Vito. Fans, however, were soon rushing to his defence.

One said: "Why is everyone comparing him with her to how he was with Ellie?! It’s a competition at the end of the day. He’s entitled to form friendships with his partners. He’s a working professional. I’m sure Ellie and Vito are just as good as they were before. It’s not like he’s ditched Ellie and forgotten about her. Calm down guys."

Another fumed: "Comments on here are absolutely ridiculous. Get a grip guys!!" A third added: "Do you not understand how dance culture works?? Ellie and Vito were partners and they had a friendship she’s not been ditched because he’s working with someone new which is a part of his job constantly working with new people and Ellie has other projects too, he still has good friendship with fleur aswell, no-one has been ‘ditched’."