BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach says 'it's difficult' as she declares love for Vito Coppola

Ellie Leach has issued a heartfelt tribute to Vito Coppola as they marked a special occasion. The Coronation Street star formed a strong bond with the professional dancer when they were paired together on the 2023 edition of Strictly Come Dancing.

The two were a hit with fans of the BBC contest and went on to lift the Glitterball after a series of incredible performances. Ellie and Vito have continued their friendship after last year's Strictly came to an end.

Ellie regularly shares updates with Vito on Instagram with her 423,000 followers. She has taken to social media today to mark Vito's birthday as she sent a special message to mark the personal update.

She said: "Happy birthday to the light of my life. Hope your day is as special as you are to me. I love you so much. Stay groovy, love you always."

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Vito has been partnered with Sarah Hadland on the latest season of Strictly, which got underway this month. The dancer took to Instagram today and admitted he had forgotten his birthday.

However, he fortunately had co-star, Dianne Buswell, on hand to remind him as she she left a special present in his dressing room. Vito shared a clip of the haul of sweet treats with the caption: "Good morning.

"I forgot that today it's my birthday. To find this surprise in my changing room has been heartwarming. Thank you gorgi @diannebuswell for just being amazing as always. Love you so much."

Dianne and Vito are heading out on tour next year and will come to Merseyside with their show, Red, Hot and Ready, on July 15 - 16. Ellie is also on tour as she returned to the world of acting with the theatre production of Cluedo 2.

The tour comes to Merseyside this year from November 12 - 16 when the show arrives at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton. Ellie is candid with her followers on social media and has opened up about the difficulties of life on the road.

She shared a selfie and said: "Skin at the min. Being on tour is so difficult especially because I'm living out of a suitcase and don't have my normal routine with me, going from place to place so lots of travelling, change in weather, time of the month, all the usual factors that cause my breakouts. Running out of all my @elemis skincare too. I'm literally scraping the bottom of the pots."

Ellie is still reeling from her Strictly success and said she will never get over lifting the Glitterball. She issued a lengthy statement after her success last year as she reflected on her stint in the competition.

She said: "Where to even begin. I don’t think this feeling will ever feel real. For 3 months I feel like I've been living in a dream, I'm still waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up!!!!!! When I started Strictly I was nervous and shy.

"I had no self confidence or self belief and I was completely a glass half empty type of person. Always finding the negatives in every situation, focusing on the lows instead of the highs, worrying and overthinking about every single thing, mostly things that were out of my control.

"Signing up for Strictly, I knew it was going to be hard, I didn’t know how hard it would be. I knew I was going to have fun, i didn’t know just how much fun I would have.

"I’ve said it before and I'm honestly not saying this to be dramatic but Strictly has changed my life. I’m now a yes person. This experience has taught me that giving your best is all you can ask of yourself, worrying about things that are out of your control isn’t going to stop them from happening.

"Saying no because you’re scared is taking away an opportunity from yourself that could end up being great. I am stronger, more resilient and more confident. I have learnt that it’s okay to be kind to yourself when you’re having bad days and good days and i have learnt to cherish every single second of life because you will really see the joy it can bring.

"Strictly Come Dancing has been the most incredible experience. EVERYONE who works there makes the show what it is, especially the team behind the camera. I never realised how much work went into making a show like strictly. The love and support that the whole team have for each other is admirable and I feel so lucky that I got to be a small part of that.

"I can’t thank you all enough for your support throughout the series. I can’t believe that every week people voted because they wanted to see us dance again. Strictly wouldn’t be what it is without the fans who watch it and vote every single weekend and there are no words to describe how grateful I am for that support.

"This win is for everyone who feels like they’re not good enough. You are enough. Please be kinder to yourselves and have more belief and find joy in the little things"