Ellie Leach's sweet message to Vito Coppola as BBC Strictly Come Dancing star left stunned

Ellie Leach was quick to issue a sweet message to former Strictly Come Dancing dance partner Vito Coppola as he added more silverware to his collection.

The dancer no longer just has the Glitterball tropy to take pride of place at home after winning the BBC One dance show with the actress in December last year.

It was during the Celebrity MasterChef final on Friday night (September 20) that it was revealed Vito had emerged victorious after being off stiff competition from TV and radio presenter Craig Doyle and Line Of Duty actress Rochenda Sandall.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing star details group WhatsApp that's 'firing off' amid 'atmosphere' backstage

The 31-year-old stormed the channel’s cookery programme by making a main of Italian seafood pasta, scialatielli allo scoglio, and a desert of Baba Di Vito, a small cake soaked in rum and served with zabaione, a marsala wine cream, and cherries in syrup.

"I cannot believe it, look (the trophy) it’s so beautiful," Vito, who is partnering actress Sarah Hadland in Strictly 2024, said as he was crowned the winner. "People think that food is just food, but no, I keep saying food is life. It’s the first love of my life, food, and I cannot just wait to share all of this with my family.”

After winning, he was also seen ringing his grandfather and said in Italian: "Nonno, I won, I won with your ingredients. I came first, I love you."

Taking to Instagram following the episode, Vito shared the video of his winning moment and said to his 328,000 followers: "It still doesn’t feel real but it’s true. Thank you @masterchefuk. I will be forever grateful #Loveisthebestingredient."

And his Strictly co-stars and friends were quick to rspond. Gorka Marquez said: "Bravo!!!!