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Italian dancer Vito Coppola appears to confirm he's joining 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Vito Coppola is jumping ship from the Italian edition of Strictly Come Dancing to the BBC version of the show. (Getty)
Vito Coppola is jumping ship from the Italian edition of Strictly Come Dancing to the BBC version of the show. (Getty)

Italian professional dancer Vito Coppola has seemingly confirmed that he'll be a new addition to the Strictly Come Dancing roster when the BBC dance show returns later this year.

The star joined Ballando con le Stelle — Italy's answer to Strictly — in 2021 and won his inaugural series as the pro partner of singer Arisa.

Read more: Strictly dancer Karen Hauer gets married for third time

But in a new interview on Italian TV with Ballando host Milly Carlucci — reported via The Sun — Coppola suggested he'd be heading to the UK and competing for the glitterball very soon.

"It was a sudden thing, I’m putting my ideas in order, but I’m happy and I can’t wait," said the 30-year-old dance champion.

Vito Coppola won Ballando con le Stelle with singer Arisa in 2021. (Mondadori Portfolio/Getty)
Vito Coppola won Ballando con le Stelle with singer Arisa in 2021. (Mondadori Portfolio/Getty)

He added: "[The BBC] were very fascinated by what we did at Ballando, they saw the videos, what we create.

"Thanks to you, Milly, and all the Ballando family, who have rooted for me."

Read more: Camilla reveals the Queen watches Strictly Come Dancing

Coppola made a huge impact in his debut series on Ballando, winning the show with Arisa — a famous Italian performer who has clocked up three number one singles in the country.

The duo began dating after their victory on the show, suggesting that the infamous "Strictly curse" exists on international versions of the competition as well.

EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice won the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. (Getty)
EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice won the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. (Getty)

When Strictly Come Dancing returns to British TV screens later this year, the show will be without some of its most popular professional faces, with Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec both quitting the show.

There has also been a shake-up on the judging panel, with Bruno Tonioli stepping aside to focus on his commitments to Dancing With the Stars in the USA.

Read more: Bruno Tonioli's best Strictly Come Dancing moments

Tonioli will be replaced permanently by former pro dancer Anton Du Beke, who has stepped in for Tonioli for the last few series due to COVID-19 travel restrictions keeping Tonioli out of the country.

The BBC declined to comment to Yahoo UK about Coppola's announcement.

Watch: Could Prince Charles and Camilla host Strictly Come Dancing?