Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola declares love for Ellie Leach as she sends special message

Ellie Leach has sent a special message to her former Strictly Come Dancing dance partner Vito Coppola. Ellie and Vito have maintained a strong friendship since lifting the Glitterball trophy in 2023.

The Coronation Street star regularly shares updates to her large Instagram following. Last week she took to social media to mark Vito's 32nd birthday. The post read: ''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.''

Yesterday, Ellie posted a loving picture of the pair sharing a hug to her Instagram page. The caption said: ''Celebrating you @Vitocoppola.'' The dancer replied: ''Oh babyyyy. Love youuuuu''

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Vito has been partnered with Sarah Hadland on the latest season of Strictly. He took to Instagram on September 27 and admitted he had forgotten his birthday.

However, he fortunately had co-star, Dianne Buswell, on hand who 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.''

Fans took to the comments of Ellie's Instagram post sending well wishes to the former Strictly winners. One comment said: ''Love that you are both seeing each other after Strictly finished.''

Another supporter wrote: ''How two people could make the world happy by just announcing they're a couple.'' One user admired how highly Ellie thought of Vito commenting: ''Ellie definitely thinks the world of Vito, nobody could match him. Lovely natural young woman.''

Ellie has previously said she will never get over lifting the Glitterball. She issued a lengthy statement after her success last year. 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.

She continued: "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."