Vito Coppola left fans in tears as he and Ellie Goldstein left Strictly Come Dancing last night.
The Italian dancer, 33, made viewers cry as he paid a very emotional tribute to Ellie following the latest dance-off.
Ellie and Vito had gone up against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her pro, Julian Caillon. But the judges unanimously voted to send them home.
In a very touching moment, Vito told 23-year-old Ellie – who has Down syndrome – she will always be his “little sister”. He also assured her they would remain friends and keep dancing.
Fans were left in tears as they praised Vito for his kindness towards his celebrity dance partner.
Writing on X, one said: “Oh my days Vito! You’ve got the whole nation now saying, ‘I’m not crying – you are!’” Another added: “Oh @vito_coppola the nation has fallen in love with you. What a gentleman and true pro dancer you are.”
A third wrote: “Vito’s speech to Ellie has me sobbing. A wonderful man and a beautiful partnership.” And someone else simply said: “The world needs to be more Vito Coppola.”
Vito Coppola describes Ellie Goldstein as his ‘beautiful angel’
Vito and Ellie performed a Tango to Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra on Saturday night. As it was Halloween Week, Vito dressed as a white rabbit and Ellie was a magician.
The pair scored 27 points from the judges, which placed them second from bottom of the leaderboard. They had one point more than Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer.
Despite this, they were in the dance-off with Balvinder and Julian, who scored 28. All four judges voted to save Balvinder and Julian.
Viewers’ tears flowed as Vito paid tribute to Ellie before the show finished. He told her: “Honestly, there are no words that can describe how proud I am of you. You did really change my life. You made me such a better person.”
Holding Ellie’s hands, he continued: “I want to tell you a little secret. At the beginning of this year, when I talked to myself I would say, ‘Please, please, please can you send me a beautiful angel in my life’. And now you have arrived.
“I’ve never had a little sister and always wanted a little sister. And now I have you and you are my little sister forever. And do you know what, your big brother is always…” Ellie finished: “By your side.”
Ellie also thanked Vito and told him he was the professional partner she “always wanted from day one”.
Vito then made Ellie jump for joy as he promised they would continue dancing, even though their time on Strictly Come Dancing is over.
When did Vito Coppola join Strictly?
Vito was born in Salerno, Italy, in September 1992. He started dancing when he was six years old and his talent was immediately clear. Vito went on to win multiple competitions and titles before representing his country. He is now a three-time World Championship finalist and a European Cup Winner.
Vito began his TV career as a dancer on Italy’s version of The Masked Singer. In 2021, he joined Ballando con le Stelle – Italy’s Strictly. Vito and his celebrity partner, Italian singer and actress Arisa, won the show.
The BBC was watching, however, and in 2022 he signed as a professional for the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing. Vito has also been partnered with Fleur East, Ellie Leach and Sarah Hadland on the show. He and Ellie Leach won in 2023.
When is Strictly Come Dancing on again?
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this weekend. It starts at 6.25pm on Saturday November 8, 2025. Strictly Come Dancing: The Results airs on BBC One at 7.10pm on Sunday night.
Vito may not be in the competition with Ellie anymore, but look out for him in all the group dances for the rest of the series.
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