BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola romance 'confirmed' amid rumours
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have hit back at putting on a 'showmance' as a source close to the former Coronation Street actress confirmed their relationship.
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been confirmed to be 'seeing each other' following mounting speculations of romance between the pair during their time on Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Corrie star has been at the centre of rumours involving the professional dancer since they first met on the BBC competition. This weekend, the pair booked their place into the semi-finals next week.
It comes as Ellie and Vito were previously accused of putting on a 'showmance' to help boost votes in the 2023 series. However, a close pal of the 22-year-old actress has insisted that they have been together since last month and that their romance is genuine.
Vito, 31, is often seen around Ellie's family home, which first sparked fans to assume their on-screen chemistry was stretching further than the show. According to reports, she has been busy seeking advice on her relationship with the dancer.
"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," the close pal told the Mirror.
"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."
The couple stunned viewers once again in the competition during musicals week with a performance inspired by Beauty and The Beast. Their impressive dance saw them second on the leaderboard after Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, who scored the first perfect score of the series.
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Last week, Vito told Ellie to "eat me with your eyes," whilst waiting on the judges' marks and comments on their steamy Argentine Tangoand, as host Claudia Winkleman quickly moved on.
Another source added that their closeness is not only obvious at the iconic ballroom both on the show and at rehearsals but also away from cameras.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly viewers have one-word complaint about 'emotional' Annabel Croft routineThey 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.”
Appearing on It Takes Two last week, Ellie called Vito “wild” and credited him with her newfound confidence although swerved questions about their romance, saying: “There’s always speculation. Honestly, we’re just so busy dancing.”
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