Italian professional dancer Vito Coppola has revealed he will be taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The sparkly-toed star, who is appearing in the Italian version of the ballroom dancing competition titled Ballando con le Stelle, was asked by TV presenter Milly Carlucci during an interview if she could appear on the British show, according to The Sun.
Pending an official BBC announcement, he explained: “It was a sudden thing, I’m getting my ideas in order but I’m happy and can’t wait.
New signing: Italian professional dancer Vito Coppola has revealed he will be joining the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing
‘[The BBC] were very fascinated by what we did at Ballando, they saw the videos of what we create.
“Thanks to you Milly and to the whole Ballando family for cheering for me.”
A Strictly spokesman declined to comment when contacted by M.
Speaking of which, the sparkly-toed star appears in the Italian version of the ballroom dancing competition titled Ballando con le Stelle (pictured on the Italian show in April).
The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 professional lineup was announced in March ahead of this year’s series.
Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones and last series winner Giovanni Pernice are the dancing stars returning to the hit ballroom show for another spin on the dance floor, the bill was revealed during BBC Morning Live on Thursday.
Following the departure of two-time winners Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec – who both recently announced they are leaving the program – Strictly Bosses have yet to add any new pros to this year’s lineup, but teased that newcomers could yet be announced.
Looking ahead: Pending an official announcement from the BBC, he explained: ‘It was a sudden thing, I’m fixing my ideas but I’m happy and can’t wait’ (pictured on Italian show in April)
Born to perform: The dancer said BBC bosses were “intrigued” by his work on the Italian version of the show.
Other returning pros include Dianne Buswell, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, and Gorka Marquez.
The full line-up concludes with Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.
Sarah James, Executive Producer said: We couldn’t be prouder of the Strictly Professional Dancers and we are delighted to have so many returning for 2022.
Keep dancing! The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 professional lineup was announced in March ahead of this year’s series
They’re back: Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones and series winner Giovanni Pernice (pictured) are the dancing stars returning to the hit ballroom show for another round of the dance floor
“The world-class skill and exceptional care they take in everything they do, from working with their celebrity partners to choreographing and performing remarkable and unforgettable routines, never ceases to amaze us.
“They truly are the best in the business and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the Strictly Ballroom for our twentieth fabulous series.”
It came after Aljaž Škorjanec announced he was leaving Strictly Come Dancing after nine years on the show as a professional dancer.
He’s following in the footsteps of his wife Janette Manrara, who announced her own departure from the pro cast last year when she stepped into the hosting role of spin-off show It Takes Two.
Farewell: Aljaž Škorjanec recently announced that he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after nine years as a professional dancer
In a statement released via social media this morning, Aljaž said: “On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013, one phone call changed my life forever!”
‘It went like this… we would like to offer you a position as a professional dancer on @bbcstrictly. A dream came true and it was the greatest opportunity for a 23-year-old boy from Slovenia.
“It didn’t matter how many beautiful ballrooms I’ve performed in during my competitive career, stepping onto Strictly sacred ground I’ve never been more nervous.
“A while ago I made the difficult decision that Strictly 2021 would be my last. The show has given me the opportunity and freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the past 9 years.
“The love and support I received from the producing team was second to none. Jason Gilkison, Sarah James, Kim Winston and Jack Gledhill are just a few of the unsung heroes behind the show’s success – I am forever grateful to them!
Moving on: In a statement released via social media, Aljaž said: “On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013, one phone call changed my life forever!”
“Being part of a group of professionals who inspire and push you to be better at every step is humbling and I will carry that inspiration with me forever. Every year the cast of dancers changed, but one thing stayed the same, WE WERE THE BEST! And that’s one thing I know will never change at Strictly!’
‘Strictly also has the BEST backstage team – the hair and make-up team, costume department, lights, sound, props and special effects, cameramen… THANK YOU!’
Alijaz, who won the Glitterball trophy in his first year at the BBC competition, paid tribute to the nine celebrity partners he danced with on the show, writing: “My beautiful partners – Abbey Clancy, Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe, Kate Silverton, Gemma Atkinson, Emma Weymouth, Clara Amfo and Sara Davies.
“It’s hard to put into words how many wonderful memories we had. I LOVE YOU ALL!’
Couple: He’s following in the footsteps of his wife Janette Manrara, who last year announced her own departure from the pro cast when she stepped into the hosting role on It Takes Two (pictured at the show in 2021).