Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly shared a slew of behind-the-scenes snaps from the show’s glitzy final on Saturday.
The broadcaster, 54, took to Instagram as she gushed over all three finalists before joining co-host Claudia Winkleman, 51, for a photo with winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.
Tess also posted a sweet picture of Ellie and Vito sharing a hug with rival couples Bobby Brazier, Dianne Buswell, Layton Williams and Nikia Kuzmin before the final result was announced.
Looking gorgeous in a strapless sliver sequinned gown she gushed over how the competition was ‘over for another year’ before praising the ‘incredible’ dancing throughout the series.
Writing: ‘And it’s over for another year! Congratulations to this years @bbcstrictly winners @ellielouiseleach & @vitocoppola our wonderful finalists @bobbybrazier & @diannebuswell and @laytonwilliams & @nikita_kuzmin,’
Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Tess Daly shared a slew of behind-the-scenes snaps from the show’s glitzy final on Saturday (L-R) Tess, winners Ellie Leach, Vito Coppola and co-host Claudia Winkleman
The broadcaster took to Instagram as she gushed over all three finalists before joining co-host Claudia Winkleman , 51, for a photo with winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
‘And ALL of our brilliant couples for making this a wonderful series, the standard of dancing was just incredible; so many records were broken; so many amazing stories told and great friendships made’.
She went on: ‘A big thanks to all of our crew who work so hard to make the show something to look forward to every year! And thanks so much to you at home for watching’
‘Love the second pic of our 3 couples having a group hug before we announced the winner, making lifelong memories’.
Ellie was spotted whispering a sweet message to her dance partner and rumoured boyfriend Vito moments after their win.
The former Coronation Street actress, 22, who became the show’s youngest ever winner, secretly whispered a four letter word before lifting the glitterball trophy together.
After Tess and Claudia announced they were the winners, the soap star immediately broke down in happy tears.
She proudly gushed under her breath to Vito: ‘This is for you’.
Her heartfelt comment left the professional dancer, 31, nearly lost for words, until he responded: ‘I mean this is like the cherry on the cake, all the bruises and blisters, you have been so amazing, you are Strictly.
Tess also posted sweet picture of Ellie and Vito sharing a hug with rival couples Bobby Brazier, Dianne Buswell, Layton Williams and Nikia Kuzmin before the final result was announced
Looking gorgeous in a strapless sliver sequinned gown she gushed over how the competition was ‘over for another year’ (Bobby and Dianne pictured)
Tess also took the opportunity to praise the ‘incredible’ dancing throughout the series (Layton, R, and Nikita, L, pictured)
Writing: ‘And it’s over for another year! Congratulations to this years @bbcstrictly winners @ellielouiseleach & @vitocoppola our wonderful finalists
‘You represent Strictly. You are the diamond, you are shining.’
Ellie broke her silence on her Strictly Come Dancing win as she paid an emotional tribute Vito.
Speaking about what it was like to secure the glitterball trophy, the soap star 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.
‘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.
Tess (R) and Claudia (L) both looked sensational as they hosted the live final
It comes afterEllie was spotted whispering a sweet message to her dance partner and rumoured boyfriend Vito moments after their win
Ellie secretly whispered a four letter word before lifting the glitterball trophy together, She proudly gushed under her breath to Vito: ‘This is for you’
Ellie and Vito were both gobsmacked when their names were announced with the soap star’s family breaking down in tears as they watched from the studio audience
‘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!
‘Finally, a big congratulations to all the finalists and all the 2023 cast, who are incredible and came alongside this journey with me.’
Vito gushed: ‘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 3 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!’
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.’
