23 January 2024 , 10:04
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Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola discussed their future together on BBC Breakfast this morning, just days on from confirming their relationship status.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 winners joined Jon Kay and Sally Nugent on the famous red sofa to reflect on their journey to lifting the Glitterball trophy as the BBC show’s live tour kicks off. "Strictly has changed my life so much I didn't know how much I would have learnt. It's really changed me for the better," former Coronation Street star Ellie admitted.
The 22-year-old actress continued: "It was the unknown and I tried to embrace the experience and that is what worked. I'm more like that now, I'll say yes to more things so I'm not stuck wondering 'What if?'
The Strictly Come Dancing winners were all smiles as they appeared on BBC Breakfast today (BBC)"We are still in our bubble, we can't believe it's real!" Vito added. "Straight after Strictly finished it was Christmas so we didn't have time to process it." Ellie then went on to reveal to BBC Breakfast hosts Jon and Sally that she actually broke her Strictly trophy just weeks on from lifting it.
Thankfully, the former soap star's dad was hand to fix Strictly's youngest ever winner's prized possession, with Ellie saying: "It's all fixed now. My dad took it to his shed and he's fixed it. I had to get all my things from London to Manchester on the train and it broke in my bag. My dad is obsessed with it and whenever someone comes round he's like, 'Do you want a photo with it?'"
Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tour
Speaking at the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour last week, Ellie and Vito finally set the record straight on their relationship status, after weeks of rumours and speculation. "We have a great relationship and honestly when you just find people, not just me and Ellie but their family which I love," Vito exclusively told the Mirror.
"You just find these people that you think are going to stay in my life forever, in each others' lives forever. And all the family and the dogs." Ellie said: "And the dogs, yes Rufus!" Vito added: "We are going nowhere, don't worry I am going to annoy you every single day, every week and every single year." When The Mirror asked if they were just pals, Ellie said: "Yes," and Vito agreed: "Yes as good friends."
Ellie is loving life on tour (BBC)Discussing the Strictly tour on BBC Breakfast today, Ellie gushed over reuniting with Vito and their fellow dancers, adding: "It's been so good. It's been different from the show and weird to be in an arena where you can see all the thousands of people watching." Vito add: "You have thousands of people and they have all come to watch you. We are so grateful. We have a little moment backstage and we hold hands and say 'ok, lets do this.' It's the best way to show gratitude to all the thousands of people, to give a good show."
After lifting the Glitterball trophy last month, Ellie thanked her dance partner and rumoured love interest Vito. She said: "Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now and I cannot believe we have just won Strictly Come Dancing 2023. It's been a life-changing opportunity and I've had the time of my life dancing with Vito every week."
She continued: "It has been so special and to be able to do it with such a great teacher has made it an experience I will never forget. Thank you so much for that, Vito, and thank you for finding the dancer in me. We couldn't have won without the voting public, so a huge thank you to everyone at home who picked up the phone for us, we appreciate every single one of you!"
Ellie also said: "Finally, a big congratulations to all the finalists and all the 2023 cast, who are incredible and came alongside this journey with me." Vito was overjoyed too, saying: "This is unbelievable, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us, we love you and it means the world to us!"
"Ellie, my Lulu, I am so, so proud of you. I have seen how hard you have worked, the dedication and determination you have shown, and how much you have grown as a person these past three months. We've had the best time dancing together and I've enjoyed every second of it! Thank you for being the best dance partner and thank you to everyone who has supported us each week and voted for us!"