Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach 'jealous' of Vito Coppola's new partner

Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach has joked she feels "jealous" of Vito Coppola's latest dance partner in the new series. The Coronation Street star appeared on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch on Sunday (September 15), alongside comedian Lucy Beaumont, singer Pixie Lott, indie band Blossoms, Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody and Paralympian Sophia Warner.

Ellie, who clinched the Strictly title with Vito in 2023, returned for the 2024 launch show on BBC One on Saturday evening (September 14). Their undeniable chemistry sparked rumours of a romance among fans and on social media, but both firmly denied any romantic involvement.

During her appearance on Sunday Brunch, host Tim Lovejoy brought up the new series of Strictly and asked Ellie: "You're the reigning Strictly champion at the moment and you were performing last night. How was that? ".

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Ellie responded: "It was amazing. It was so good to be back. Very emotional because it's the last time that me and Vito will dance.

"But I'm really, really excited for the new series, and excited that everyone's pairings are out now, and everyone knows who's partnered with who.", reports the Mirror.

Tim mentioned several Sunday Brunch guests and friends who are participating in this year's series, including Nick Knowles, Jamie Gills, Paul Merson and Sarah Hadland.

Smiling Ellie Leach Sunday Brunch
Corrie star Ellie Leach talked about the return of Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday Brunch -Credit:Channel 4

Actress and comedian Sarah Hadland was revealed as Vito Coppola's partner during the launch show on Saturday night (September 14), leading Simon Rimmer to joke: "You're gonna hate Sarah Hadland".

Ellie Leach reacted with laughter to Simon's comment, but he continued: "What happens is, on the series, you'll hate it because you go, 'why are you having jokes with that person? I'm your special person'.

Ellie joked: "I already feel a bit jealous, not going to lie!"

Simon compared the situation to "like seeing your ex with somebody new and laughing".

Sunday Brunch
The Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach was on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch on Sunday morning (September 15) with comedian Lucy Beaumont, singer Pixie Lott, indie band Blossoms, Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody and Paralympian athlete and presenter Sophia Warner. -Credit:Channel 4

Following their performance on the launch show, the duo told host Tess Daly about their close bond. Vito said: "Don't worry, I am very present in her life, I often call her at 7am and wake her up. "She will never get rid of me."

The undeniable chemistry between Vito and Ellie Leach led to speculation that their dance partnership had blossomed into a romantic relationship. Vito has previously mentioned that he used to join Ellie Leach's family for dinner and expressed that they will always be a part of his life.

However, Ellie clarified on ITV's Lorraine Kelly's show that there was no romance and they were just friends. She previously said: "Honestly, we've just been having the most amazing time dancing, and we built a really strong bond and a friendship that will last forever".