Ellie Leach has broken her silence on her Strictly Come Dancing win and paid an emotional tribute to her rumored boyfriend and dance partner Vito Coppola.
The former Coronation Street actress, 22, became the show's youngest ever winner when she beat 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 can't describe how I'm feeling right now and I can't believe we've just won Strictly Come Dancing 2023 .”
“It was a life-changing opportunity and I had the time of my life dancing with Vito every week.”
“It was very special and the opportunity to do it with such a great teacher made it an experience I will never forget.”
Ellie Leach has broken her silence on her Strictly Come Dancing win and paid an emotional tribute to her rumored boyfriend and dance partner Vito Coppola
Vito enthused: “This is incredible. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. We love you and it means a lot to us!” Ellie, my Lulu, I'm so proud of you.'
“Thank you very much for that, Vito, and thank you for finding the dancer in me.” We couldn’t have won without the voting audience. A big thank you to everyone at home who answered the phone for us. We are happy about each and every one of you!
“Finally, I would like to say a big congratulations to all the finalists and the entire 2023 cast who are incredible and have accompanied me on this journey.”
Vito enthused: “This is incredible. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. We love you and it means a lot to us!” Ellie, my Lulu, I am 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 over the last three months.
“We had the best time dancing together and I loved every second of it! Thank you for being the best dance partner and thank you to everyone who supported and voted for us every week!'
Ellie and Vito, who are rumored to be a couple, were both stunned when their names were announced and the soap star's family broke down in tears as they watched from the studio audience.
The overwhelmed duo held back tears as they hugged each other before speaking to presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
“I really can't believe this,” a stunned Ellie murmured, before exclaiming that this was the first time she had seen 31-year-old Vito cry.
Ellie and Vito were both stunned when their names were announced, and the soap star's family broke 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 icing on the cake before branding her a “diamond”.
They lifted 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 impressed throughout the finale, performing a Pasa Doble, a Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.
They received a full 40 points in the final of the three competitions, with judges raving about the actress' “growth” and burgeoning confidence during her time on the show.
The exercise was described as “flawless” and Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke scored 10 points each.
Later, speaking to co-host Claudia, they struggled to contain their emotions as Vito said: “For me, Ellie is Strictly,” before wrapping his arms around her and saying: “She's my winner anyway!” .
Their uber-hot Pasa Doble opened the show as contestants in skimpy costumes received an impressive 39 out of 40 and a standing ovation.
Here too, the judges were full of praise as they were pleased with the former soap star's progress over the course of the series.
The pair impressed throughout the finale, having performed a Pasa Doble, a Show Dance and finally an American Smooth (pictured).
Finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell (right) and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (left) watched Ellie win the crown
But the evening went smoothly for the couple after their show dance proved slightly less unsuccessful with the pair making few mistakes and failing one attempt.
As Ellie tried to jump onto the Italian's shoulders, Ellie slipped, leaving him to save her before she fell to the ground.
She looked upset at the mistake as Vito wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek repeatedly to comfort her.
“You know what’s amazing,” Judge Shirley said of the fall. “How you saved him, you didn't panic.”
When the couple then graded the points together with presenter Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, they received 36 out of 40 points.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Ellie and Vito had been seeing each other for over a month.
The couple found themselves in the spotlight after they were accused of faking their romance to win votes. However, a source close to Ellie revealed that they had been together for a few weeks.
But the evening went smoothly for the couple after their show dance proved slightly less unsuccessful, with the pair making few mistakes and one failed attempt (pictured).
The relationships between the film actress and the dancer are “real,” a source told the Mirror.
Vito reportedly visited Ellie's home several times outside of training while she confided in friends about her new relationship with him.
“They were friendly at first, but as the weeks went by their relationship changed. “Ellie has made it clear to her friends how happy she is with Vito,” the friend said.
“She's not the kind of person who's going to fake things like that to get votes.” Putting on a showmanship isn't her style – what you see from her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly she was insecure and insecure. Now she exudes confidence, which is wonderful.”