Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola have sparked many romance rumors since appearing together on Strictly Come Dancing.
And the speculation doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon after Vito, 31, shared a heated message to the Coronation Street star, 22, on Sunday night.
The dancer gushed about how “proud he is of Ellie and the woman she is becoming” alongside a picture of their almost-kiss during their performance on Saturday.
Vito also shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the duo rehearsing with choreographers Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani.
He wrote: “What an intense week it was… We enjoyed it so much!” It differed from the usual Argentine tango in many ways. Lulu [Ellie] was the strong and independent woman in control.
Continuing the speculation: Ellie Leach, 22, and her professional partner Vito Coppola, 31, have sparked many romance rumors since appearing together on Strictly Come Dancing (pictured with choreographers Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani).
Romance? And the speculation doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon after Vito shared a heated message with the Coronation Street star on Sunday night
“This trip is becoming more special every week. Through the dances and playing different characters we can discover many different sides of ourselves and I personally think that life is just that: a journey to get to know ourselves better…
“I’m so proud of you and the woman you’re becoming.” Weeks ago I met a girl and now look at you and I’m sure you have a lot more to show and a lot more to say, Lulu.
“Everyone is proud of you, but most of all you have to be proud of yourself because you and only you know all the sacrifices and commitment it takes to perform in this way for someone who has never danced before.”
“Brava Lulú, go ahead and let’s keep dancing.”
Ellie simply responded to Vito’s message by reposting his post, along with a crying eyes emoji and a red heart emoji as the caption.
During Sunday’s results show, the pair further fueled romance rumors as they chatted with host Claudia Winkleman, 51.
Actress Ellie shared how proud her father was of her performance throughout the series and how much he particularly liked Vito.
She explained: “My dad is usually a man of few words and rarely shows emotion, but every week he messages me and says, ‘So proud of you, crying again,’ like he’s in tears.”
So close! The dancer gushed about how “proud he is of Ellie and the woman she is becoming” alongside a picture of their almost-kiss during their performance on Saturday.
Thanks to the group: Vito also shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the duo rehearsing with choreographers Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani
Proud: The professional dancer paid a sweet tribute to Ellie as he reflected on another successful week on the BBC show
Look of love? During Sunday’s results show, the pair further fueled romance rumors as they chatted with host Claudia Winkleman, 51
A notice? Actress Ellie shared how proud her father was of her performance throughout the series and how much he particularly liked Vito
“And he was just amazing and so supportive, it was nice to know I was making him proud.”
Ellie added: “He loves Vito.”
Vito then said, “I love Ellie’s family because we swap cooking recipes and I say, ‘Okay, show me how you make the gravy and the mashed potatoes and I’ll tell you how to make the pasta.’
The conversation was well received by fans of the show, who hoped it was a sign that the two were falling in love.
Taking to Twitter, one person wrote: “Just watching the #Strictly Results Show.” Admittedly, I wasn’t a fan of the opening number… But I loved hearing Vito talk about his recipe exchange with Ellie’s family! I love you @Vito__Coppola.’
Someone else shared: “Whether they’re a real couple or not, Ellie and Vito are my 2023 Christmas love story and you won’t convince me otherwise.” As the kids say, “I ship them.”
While another viewer posted: “#Strictly all I can say is how much I love #Vito!” He’s like an excited little puppy you just want to pick up and hug. And he and #Ellie are simply the best dancing couple ever! And would make a beautiful couple outside of dancing.’
Hopeful: The conversation was well received by fans of the show, who hoped that this was a sign that the two were falling in love
Cheeky! On Saturday evening, Vito fueled the romance rumors again on “Strictly Come Dancing” with a very cheeky comment to his dance partner Ellie
On Saturday evening, Strictly’s Vito fueled the speculation again with a very cheeky comment to his dance partner Ellie.
The pair impressed with their standout week 10 routine to Destiny’s Child hit “Bills, Bills, Bills.”
Vito spoke to presenter Claudia after her performance and was asked how much control was required for this particular dance.
“So much control, it was difficult because she came last week, she was so spread out with everything, and this time you have to keep everything in,” Vito explained.
He then added: “There’s a ball of fire between us and I said, ‘Look at me and eat me with your eyes.’
It came after Vito awkwardly dodged questions about his and Ellie’s chemistry and relationship during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine on Tuesday.
The professional dancer dodged questions about his partnership with the soap star as they remain favorites to win the Strictly Glitterball.
Host Lorraine said: “You’re both single, everyone wants a romance, you get on incredibly well – there’s clearly a bond there…”
Vito replied: “Not just Ellie, Ellie’s whole family has become like another family to me. ‘I was so lucky because they are so wonderful.’
He turned to Ellie and continued: “Your mother makes the best sauce, I ate the whole pot!” So of course also friends and people who will remain in your life forever.”
Strictly Come Dancing: Musicals Special airs next Saturday at 7.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: actor
Layton says: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that I’ll be taking part in the UK’s most famous dance competition!” It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Occupation: TV presenter
Angela says: “I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. “I’ve never done any other dances except drunken jiving at a wedding!”
Age: 22
Occupation: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Age: 20
Occupation: EastEnders star and model
Bobby said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up that I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my repertoire.” “I’m excited “Looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: actor
Nigel says: “I’m amazed, excited and scared to be doing Strictly.” As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…Gulp!’
Age: 57
Occupation: Broadcaster and former tennis player
Annabel said: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joy along the way.”