Strictly Come Dancing’s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola share loving embrace as the ex Coronation Street actress is left emotional after taking a tumble during series final
Strictly Come Dancing’s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola shared an emotional moment during the final on Saturday after she suffered a blunder during their second routine on the show.
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie, 22, and professional dancer Vito, 31, competed in the final against actor Layton Williams, 29, and his partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, and his partner Dianne Buswell, 34.
Ellie and Vito attempted to execute a number of lifts as they performed their show dance to a Jennifer Lopez megamix.
But as she tried to leap onto the Italian’s shoulders Ellie slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor.
Ex soap star Ellie looked upset at the mistake, with Vito putting his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in a bid to comfort her.
Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola shared an emotional moment during the final on Saturday after she suffered a blunder during their second routine on the show
Ellie and Vito attempted to execute a number of lifts as they performed their show dance to a Jennifer Lopez megamix
As Ellie tried to leap onto the Italian’s shoulders she slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor
Ellie and Vito have been at the centre of romance rumours throughout this year’s series after their on-screen chemistry caught the eyes of fans of the show.
Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month.
The pair have been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.
Things between the screen actress and the dancer are ‘genuine’ – a source told the Mirror.
Vito reportedly has visited Ellie’s home several times outside of training while she has confided in friends about her new relationship with him.
‘Initially, they were friendly but as the weeks went on, their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,’ said the friend.
‘She’s not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a showmance isn’t her style – what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and unsure. Now she’s radiating confidence, which is lovely.’
A second source detailed how the duo’s increasing closeness has become obvious not only backstage but also while promoting the show together.
Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month (pictured on Strictly this month)
They said: ‘Ellie and Vito have become so close that they’re often seen all over each other, and the chemistry is striking. The rumour they’re more than friends isn’t openly discussed, but it’s widely understood.’
Ellie Leach became the youngest winner of Strictly Come Dancing with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola on Saturday
The 22-year-old TV star beat two other couples – Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin.
Upon winning the glitterball trophy, the former Coronation Street star said: ‘I actually, genuinely cannot believe this.’
‘For once, you’re crying more than me,’ she told Vito.
She added: ‘This is for you, this is for you.’
Talking about their win, Vito said: ‘I mean this is like the cherry on the cake.’
He turned to Ellie: ‘You have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are finally, you know, the diamond I was talking (about).’
Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been crowned winners following Saturday’s nail-bitting final
The former Coronation Street actress, 22, pipped Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post each couple performed three dances for the judges
Strictly 2023 Final: The Leaderboard
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
Favourite Dance – Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen -(10+10+10+10) = 40
Show Dance – Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Judges’ Pick – Quickstep to Puttin’ On The Ritz by Gregory Porter – (10+10+10+10) = 40
Total: 119
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Favourite Dance – American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams – (10+10+10+10) = 40
Show Dance – Jennifer Lopez Megamix – (9+9+9+9) = 36
Judges’ Pick – Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Total: 115
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
Favourite Dance – Couple’s Choice to This Woman’s Work by Maxwell – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Show Dance – La La Land Medley – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Judges’ Pick – Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Total: 117
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 kicked off in September, hosted once again by Tess Daly (right) and Claudia Winkleman (left) (pictured during the final on Saturday)
Judges (L-R) Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood returned for this year’s series
The winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 was decided by the public.
On the judges’ scoreboard, provided as a guideline, Layton and Nikita had been in the lead with a total of 119 points.
Second to them was Bobby and Dianne who had received 117 points, and they were followed by Ellie and Vito with 115 – who cinched the trophy with the help of the public.
Ellie and Vito’s first performance of the night was their dramatic paso doble to Insomnia by 2WEI, as chosen for them by the judges.
Head judge Shirley Ballas told the Ellie: ‘You, my dear, are the only lady standing and let me tell you, you came down those stairs, you worked that dress, the whole ensemble… was spot on.
Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Bobby Brazier ‘s emotional tribute dance to his late mother Jade Goody left his father Jeff and brother Freddie sobbing during Saturday’s final
His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44 (centre), single-handedly raised him and younger brother Freddie, 19 (left), with the pair both shedding some tears as they watched on from the audience
‘I have to say, that was a woman in control.’
Anton Du Beke added: ‘I love this’, and Craig Revel Horwood said the dance ‘was absolutely fantastic’.
Their third and final performance, which they chose from their back catalogue of performances, was the American smooth to the song Ain’t That A Kick In The Head in the style of Robbie Williams.
After the dance, Anton said he was ‘getting emotional’ before he told the soap star he was proud of her.
During the show, Bobby and Dianne performed their couple’s choice for the show dance, which was dedicated to the star’s mother Jade Goody, who passed away from cervical cancer in 2009.
Actor Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother’s Day in March 2009
The dance, which left the actor’s father Jeff Brazier in tears, was described as ‘extraordinarily beautiful’ by Shirley.
Other highlights included Layton and Nikita’s quickstep to Puttin’ On The Ritz, which was the first dance to be awarded full marks from the judges during the series’ live final.
The series’ only same-sex couple had also been awarded full marks for their Argentine tango to Tattoo by Loreen.
Last year, wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin and professional dancer Jowita Przystal won the glitterball trophy.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
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