Ellie Leach 'jealous' over Vito Coppola's new Strictly partner after sharing last dance

Sunday Brunch: Ellie Leach speaks about Strictly and Vito

Reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach quipped she was "jealous" of Vito Coppola's new dance partner after the pair shared their last dance together. The Coronation Street star made an appearance on Sunday Brunch this morning (September 15) alongside comedian Lucy Beaumont, pop sensation Pixie Lott, indie rockers Blossoms, Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, and Paralympian Sophia Warner.

Ellie, who clinched victory on the dance floor with Vito Coppola in 2023, danced one final time during the launch show on BBC One on Saturday night (September 14). The duo's undeniable connection had sparked rumours of romance among their fans and across social media platforms but denied they are dating.

On Sunday Brunch, host Tim Lovejoy talked about the new series of Strictly Come Dancing and how it felt returning to the show.

Ellie responded: "It was amazing. It was so good to be back. Very emotional because it's the last time that me and Vito will dance.

"But I'm really, really excited for the new series, and excited that everyone's pairings are out now, and everyone knows who's partnered with who."

Ellie Leach was "very emotional" because it's the last time that she would dance with Vito (Image: Channel 4)

Tim Lovejoy then listed off the show's guests and friends participating in this year's Strictly, including names like Nick Knowles, Jamie Gills, Paul Merson, and Sarah Hadland.

Actress Sarah Hadland was announced as Vito Coppola's partner during Saturday's launch show, prompting Simon Rimmer to quip: "You're gonna hate Sarah Hadland".

Ellie Leach responded with laughter to Simon's comment, but he continued: "What happens is, on the series, you'll hate it because you go, 'why are you having jokes with that person? I'm your special person'.

Ellie laughed again and joked: "I already feel a bit jealous, not going to lie!"

Simon compared the situation to "like seeing your ex with somebody new and laughing".

Following their performance on the launch show, the duo told host Tess Daly about their close bond.

Vito stated: "Don't worry, I am very present in her life, I often call her at 7am and wake her up. She will never get rid of me.

Corrie actress Ellie Leach talked about the return of Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday Brunch (Image: Channel 4) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240911.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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The undeniable chemistry between Vito and Ellie Leach led to speculation that their dance partnership had become a romantic relationship.

Vito previously joined Ellie Leach's family for dinner and expressed his intention to always remain a part of their lives.

However, Ellie clarified on ITV's Lorraine Kelly's show that there was no romance and they were merely friends. She stated: "Honestly, we've just been having the most amazing time dancing, and we built a really strong bond and a friendship that will last forever".

Ellie Leach 'jealous' over Vito Coppola's new Strictly partner after sharing last dance

Ellie Leach 'jealous' over Vito Coppola's new Strictly partner after sharing last dance

Ellie Leach 'jealous' over Vito Coppola's new Strictly partner after sharing last dance

Ellie Leach 'jealous' over Vito Coppola's new Strictly partner after sharing last dance

Ellie Leach 'jealous' over Vito Coppola's new Strictly partner after sharing last dance