4 months ago
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Ellie Leach has broken her silence on her Strictly Come Dancing win as she paid an emotional tribute to her rumoured boyfriend and dance partner Vito Coppola.
The former Coronation Street actress, 22, became the show's youngest ever winner as she pipped Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to the post after each couple performed three dances for the judges.
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.
Ellie Leach has broken her silence on her Strictly Come Dancing win as she paid an emotional tribute to her rumoured boyfriend and dance partner Vito Coppola
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.'
'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!'
Ellie and Vito, who are rumoured to be an item, 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.
The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they embraced before speaking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman .
'I actually, genuinely cannot believe this,' a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry.
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
'This is for you!' Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the 'cherry on the top' before branding her a 'diamond'.
They raised the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors.
The pair had impressed throughout the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.
The final of the three bagged them full 40 marks with the judges gushing over the actress' 'growth' and blossoming confidence during her time on the show.
The routine was branded 'flawless' and saw Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all score it 10 points each.
Later speaking with co-host Claudia they struggled to contain their emotions with Vito saying: 'For me, Ellie is Strictly' before he wrapped his arms around her and said: 'She is my winner anyway!'.
Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the sizzled in skimpy costumes earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points - as well as standing ovation.
Again the judges were full of praise as they revelled in the former soap star ’s improvement throughout the series.
The pair had impressed throughout the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth (pictured)
Fellow finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell (right) and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (left) watched on as Ellie took the crown
But the evening was smooth sailing for the pair after their Show Dance proved a little less unsuccessful that saw the pair make few mistakes and a fail lift.
As Ellie tried to leap onto the Italian's shoulders Ellie slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor.
She looked upset at the mistake, with Vito putting his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in a bid to comfort her.
'Do you know what's amazing' judge Shirley said of the tumble, 'How how you saved it, you didn't panic'.
As the couple then joined host Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly for the scores they were awarded 36 out of 40.
Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month.
The pair have 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.
But the evening was smooth sailing for the pair after their Show Dance proved a little less unsuccessful that saw the pair make few mistakes and a fail lift (pictured)
Things between the screen actress and the dancer are 'genuine' - a source told the Mirror.
Vito reportedly has visited Ellie's home several times outside of training while she has confided in friends about her new relationship with him.
'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.'
