Ellie Leach seen crying in backstage video with Vito ahead of Strictly Come Dancing launch

Ellie was emotional as she spoke about her Strictly experience
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Ellie Leach couldn't hold back the tears upon her emotional return to the Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal studios for the launch of the new series. The former Coronation Street star was reunited with her dance partner Vito Coppola after winning last year's competition for their last dance together.

The 23-year-old star was overjoyed to team up again with Vito as they prepared to perform for the opening of the hit BBC show. They danced their incredible Paso Doble, one of their most memorable performances which score them 10s across the board and was a real turning point for the actress in the competition at week five.

In an emotional piece to camera before hitting the Strictly dance floor once more, Ellie opened up about the profound impact the experience has had on her and what it meant to be able to perform the iconic dance again with Vito. She said: "I am glad we're doing the Paso Doble as the final dance. Everything about this dance just came together so perfectly.

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Overwhelmed with emotion, Ellie's voice cracked and she wiped away tears, before adding: "Getting emotional now. I honestly didn't expect this to have such an effect on me personally."

Vito was supportive as ever, telling viewers: "I mean this is like the cherry on the cake, all the bruises and blisters, you have been so amazing, you are Strictly. You represent Strictly. You are the diamond, you are shining."

After the show, Ellie wrote on Instagram: "And just like that, we danced our last dance. What a joy it was to step on that dancefloor one last time with you Vito Coppola.

"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!"

The show has been plagued with controversy lately with two former dancers not returning to the series this year. Giovanni Pernice has strongly denied accusations from Amanda Abbington, his last dance partner of the show last year, about his behaviour in rehearsals.

Graziano Di Prima was also axed from the line-up of professional dancers after questions over his behaviour towards former Love Island star Zara McDermott on the show last year. Despite the claims of abuse from former celebrity participants, Ellie Leach has always been positive about her time on the show with Vito.

She recently told the Yorkshire Post: "Strictly has changed my life. When I say that, I think that people are a little bit shocked as they think it is 'just' a dance competition, where it's completely not like that.

"It made me really, really learn a lot about myself and kind of change the way that I think about things. I think I genuinely do think that without Strictly I wouldn't have said yes to maybe even doing Cluedo. When I got the call it sounded amazing, but I would have been very nervous to step out of my comfort zone, whereas now I'm kind of forcing myself to do that."