24 November 2023 , 11:11
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Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were spotted getting 'flirty' during rehearsals for Saturday night's live show, adding fuel to the fire of rumours that they're more than friends.
In a video shared to the Italian choreographer's Instagram Story on Thursday, the talented pair can be seen practicing their 'Argentine Tango' after their "flawless" performance on last week's episode. Coronation Street star Ellie described the upcoming dance, which originated in Buenos Aires, as "very intense" and "very close" because it requires the partners to be "intertwined with each other" for the performance.
"The space between us is like a ball of fire," Vito added, before joking that he always must have "fresh breath" due to how close their faces are to each other during the dance. Ellie, 22, then explained that she hopes to be "precise" with her "footwork" in the complex routine while also showcasing her "personality" and "character."
Ellie has described her latest rehearsals with Vito as 'very intense' (BBC)Vito awkwardly avoided questions about his relationship with the ITV soap star on Lorraine on Tuesday, leaving fans even more curious about their true feelings for each other. When the Scottish presenter enquired about their undeniable chemistry, Vito was quick to redivert the conversation onto a more neutral topic.
"Both of you are single, everybody wants a romance, you're getting on incredibly well - clearly there's a bond there..." Lorraine prompted, to which the 31-year-old replied: "Not just Ellie, all of Ellie's family have become like another family for me. I've been so lucky because they are so wonderful."
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The duo are rehearsing for their tango this weekend (BBC)He then complimented Ellie's mum's gravy, admitting it was so delicious that he ate the entire pot. "So of course, friends and people who will stay in your life forever," he added. Vito split from his ex-girlfriend Arisa in 2021, after winning the Italian version of Strictly with the dancer that same year.
Last week, Vito and Ellie were seen walking arm in arm on the promenade in Blackpool. Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, said: "Ellie and Vito are clear favourites in the competition, and I think that's down to them having a journey.
Ellie said she hopes to nail her footwork in the 'very close' dance (BBC)They've had good weeks, and bad weeks, so for them to take feedback on board and really work as a team, is showing the public they have a real connection. Ellie has gone from strength to strength in terms of her confidence on the show. Her relationship with Vito is incredibly strong."
Fans of the show have been shipping Ellie and Vito now for weeks after clocking their strong connection. One person even wrote, "When the chemistry is right you can't deny that it works. however this relationship grows it will last forever I'd love for you to be a couple but you'll always be friends. Keep dancing your way to the glitter ball you cute cute twosome."