BBC Strictly Come Dancing victor Ellie Leach discloses uncomfortable encounter with partner Vito
Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach, victorious in Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer Vito Coppola, has unveiled her most awkward moment during their joint training sessions.
Nearly a week following her resounding victory on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Ellie Leach has divulged her most cringe-worthy moment while training intensely with professional partner Vito Coppola. The Coronation Street luminary clinched the audience’s adoration, clinching the Glitterball Trophy through a captivating display in the final, impressing both judges and viewers alike. However, amidst the glitz of the competition, Ellie shared during an Instagram Live Q&A with fans that the day-to-day training and rehearsals for the show lacked the same glamour.
The soap sensation, who has been the subject of relationship rumours with her Strictly partner, also recounted their most embarrassing moment together, causing fits of laughter during the retelling of the incident.
Ellie shared with fans, ‘During the final week, we were both unwell, battling colds and congestion. In our show dance, with its myriad twists and turns, I unfortunately ended up with nasal issues.’ Both Ellie and her partner chuckled as she continued, ‘I found it hard to focus on the steps, feeling embarrassed about the situation. Vito couldn’t understand why I kept making mistakes until he realised it was because of my discomfort with the whole…snotty situation!’
Vito chimed in, ‘I was puzzled initially, thinking, ‘If everything’s on track, why the slip-ups?’ Eventually, there was just some liquid mess everywhere!’
On Friday night, Vito also shared a video recorded after their final rehearsal before last week’s Strictly final. In the emotional footage, the pair, amid ongoing romance rumours, embraced tearfully, acknowledging how this series had transformed their lives. They expressed gratitude to fans for their support, securing their victory over contenders Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier. In his caption, Vito wrote, ‘A week ago, this moment moved us deeply after our final rehearsal…and we’re thrilled to share it with all of you lovely people. Words fall short in expressing the myriad emotions—it’s simply gratitude. Thank you.’
Addressing relationship rumours during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning earlier that week, Josie Gibson asked, ‘The chemistry between you two is captivating. Any romance between you? Are the rumours true?’
Breaking her silence, Ellie replied, ‘Honestly, we’ve had an incredible time dancing and built a strong, lasting friendship.’
Vito echoed her sentiments, saying, ‘We’ve forged a beautiful, enduring bond. Sometimes, you meet someone and instantly connect. That’s what happened when we met—we felt like old friends reunited. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have Ellie in my life.’
Craig Doyle, Josie’s co-host, probed further about the depth of their friendship, asserting, ‘There’s definitely romance, without a doubt… I can sense it.’ Promptly, the duo denied it, saying, ‘No, no,’ with Ellie clarifying, ‘We’ve shared so much, spending every day together for the past three months. We’re fortunate to have formed this strong bond, and we’ll be lifelong friends.’
