Strictly Come Dancing stars Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been seeing each other for over a month, it has been claimed.
The couple has been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.
Things between the Coronation Street actress, 22, and the Italian pro dancer, 31, are ‘genuine’ – a source told The Mirror.
The couple seems happier than ever on Saturday night as they danced the quickstep to Beauty And The Beast’s Belle.
Vito reportedly has visited the actress’ home several times outside of training while Ellie has confided in friends about her new relationship with the dance pro.
Strictly Come Dancing stars Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been seeing each other for over a month, it has been claimed
The couple has been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks
‘Initially, they were friendly but as the weeks went on, their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,’ said the friend.
‘She’s not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a showmance isn’t her style – what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and unsure. Now she’s radiating confidence, which is lovely.’
A second source detailed how the duo’s increasing closeness has become obvious not only backstage but also while promoting the show together.
They said: ‘Ellie and Vito have become so close that they’re often seen all over each other, and the chemistry is striking. The rumour they’re more than friends isn’t openly discussed, but it’s widely understood.’
Fuelling more speculations Ellie called Vito ‘wild’ during an appearance on It Takes Two earlier last week, and gave him credit for her ‘newfound’ confidence.
Yet, the Corrie sensation brushed off any romance questions as she said: ‘There’s always speculation. Honestly, we’re just so busy dancing.’ Spokeswomen for Ellie, Vito and Strictly declined to comment.
Saturday was a dramatic episode after it was revealed earlier that Nigel Harman had been forced to quit the show due to an injury sustained during rehearsals for his Charleston.
Yet fans were left outraged at one couples scores as they claimed Ellie and Vito had been undermarked yet again.
The couple has been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together since last month
Vito reportedly has visited the actress’ home several times outside of training while Ellie has confided in friends about her new relationship with the dance pro
Despite topping the leaderboard for several weeks, the pair are yet to achieve the perfect 40 as judge Craig Revel Horwood has refused to use his 10 paddle on the pair
Strictly fans were left FUMING over Vito Coppola and Ellie Leach’s score as they exclaimed: ‘Sick of Ellie and Vito not getting the 40!’
Despite topping the leaderboard for several weeks, the pair are yet to achieve the perfect 40 as judge Craig Revel Horwood has refused to use his 10 paddle for them.
They failed to score the perfect 40 yet again as they received four nines from the judges placing them second on the leaderboard with 36.
And loyal fans took to Twitter as they shared their anger of the soapstar’s scores.
One wrote: ‘Sick of Ellie and Vito not getting the 40!’
A second asked: ‘So all three judges haven’t got anything bad to say but give Ellie and Vito a 9!?When are they going to have the 40 that they deserve’.
Meanwhile hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman said they were ‘devastated’ as they spoke of Nigel’s shock exit from the show.
They announced there would be no public vote or elimination this week but the judges would still give their comments and marks.
Claudia said: ‘We only have four couples. Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury and has had to withdraw from the competition.’
It was a dramatic episode after it was revealed earlier today that Nigel Harman had been forced to quit the show due to an injury sustained during rehearsals for his Charleston
Tess continued: ‘We are as devastated as he is but Nigel and Katya will be chatting to us later in the show.
‘That means there will be no public vote tonight and no elimination but the judges will still be scoring and those scores will be carried over. You’ll be able to vote as usual next week.’
Nigel quit Strictly Come Dancing just hours before Saturday night’s live show after sustaining an injury.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
