Could the passionate kisses exchanged between Strictly dance partners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola be a sign of a real-life romance?
Vito, the Italian heartthrob who joined the show last year, couldn't contain his passion as he showered Ellie, a star of Coronation Street, with affection following their rumba performance to Cyndi Lauper's True Colors on Saturday night.
Their chemistry was undeniable as Vito caressed Ellie's arms and shoulders before planting a fourth kiss on her. The pair received a score of 35 out of 40, putting them in second place on the leaderboard.
Ellie has been single since May, when she ended her five-year relationship with dancer Reagan Pettman due to allegations of infidelity.
A close friend of Vito revealed, "Ellie and Vito spend hours together every day and they have a real connection. It's like he has restored her faith in men after her breakup earlier this year. It wouldn't be surprising if they go public with their relationship, as they are incredibly close and practically inseparable at the moment."
‘Vito is adorable and goofy, but he’s so sexy’
Their passionate display on Saturday has sparked rumors of a romance and has fans gushing over the couple.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) said, "I absolutely love Ellie and Vito, she is an amazing dancer and he brings out the best in her. They have amazing chemistry."
Another fan added, "LOVE Ellie and Vito. They are a natural, unaffected couple. No agenda, no back story rubbish. Just a lovely, cheerful, bubbly couple! Vito is doubly cute, such a sweetheart."
A third fan simply stated, "Ellie and Vito are a HOT couple #strictly."
Vito has a history of falling for his dance partners. He was previously paired with married singer and radio presenter Fleur East last year. Before that, he dated singer Arisa, whom he danced with on the Italian version of Strictly. Although they split by the time Vito joined Strictly, he has maintained a friendly bond with Arisa.
In addition to winning over his dance partners, Vito has become a heartthrob across the nation. With his chiseled body, sexy dance moves, and revealing outfits, he has become the show's new pin-up. He has even surpassed former favorite Giovanni Pernice in popularity.
Vito, who wore an open shirt that showcased his chest on Saturday's show, has fans swooning over him online. One admirer posted on X, "Vito is both adorable and goofy, but my f***ing god, he's so sexy. He's a perfect man."
Another fan commented, "Honestly, every week Vito just gets me hot and bothered."
Vito's popularity is evident in his Instagram following, which has surpassed 200,000. Fans can't get enough of this handsome hunk who started dancing at the age of six and has been a World Championship finalist three times.
Vito took to Instagram to share a message referring to himself and Ellie as a "beautiful couple." He even referred to Ellie as his "baby" in another post.
Ellie, best known for her role as Faye Windass on Coronation Street, has also expressed her love for the Strictly experience on her own Instagram page. Last week, she wrote, "What a magical night! We are so grateful for all of your support, and we're soooo happy to be through to another week on that Strictly dance floor."
She has credited Vito with helping to restore her confidence, saying, "Vito has taught me so much already. He tells me, 'It's a competition with yourself. If you're tired, fight it. If you're stressed, fight it.' I also don't praise myself enough, I just focus on the wrong. But then he'll say to me, 'Yeah, but you just did that…' Being cheated on was upsetting, but now's the perfect time to put my all into Strictly and give that 500 percent."
Bookmakers have Ellie and Vito as the favorites to win Strictly when the show concludes next month. Coral's John Hill said, "Ellie Leach continues to attract strong support in our outright market, and she is now a warm odds-on favorite to lift the glitterball trophy."
It seems that things are heating up for Ellie and Vito both on and off the dance floor.
Vito and Fleur East were dance partners on Strictly last year
