Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola has announced his first memoir, Love Vito, during an appearance on Thursday's episode of The One Show, part of the programme's 20th anniversary celebrations. The book explores his life through food, family, and his Italian heritage.
Memoir Details
Speaking to hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, Vito explained: "This memoir is of course my life through food and there is the dancing and lots of family. I have a special strong connection with my family so through food I’ve been able to feel a connection to my family."
Vito revealed that he left home at age 14 and relied on his family to help him learn to cook from a distance. "I was cooking with them through the phone and it wasn’t a smart phone so we had to speak over the phone," he said. "Through the years I’ve learnt to cook, first for myself then to cook for others."
Italian Heritage and Cooking
The Strictly star hopes the book will give readers a deeper insight into Italian cuisine and culture. "There are things I want to educate people about Italy because people think Italy is just about pasta and pizza but there is an entire world to discover," he added.
His passion for cooking impressed Alex, who joked: "You need a cooking show." Roman quickly agreed, responding: "Yes."
Strictly Preparations
Vito also gave an update on preparations for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. Asked how rehearsals were going, he said: "Well we started the rehearsals two weeks ago. It’s been good, full on, lots of energy, we have our new pros and I’m looking forward to the new series."
The dancer previously showcased his culinary talents on Celebrity MasterChef, where he was crowned winner of the 19th series in September 2024, beating fellow finalists Rochenda Sandall and Craig Doyle. He impressed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with a series of heartfelt Southern Italian dishes.
With his memoir set to explore the stories behind that passion, Vito brings a taste of his Italian roots to fans away from the Strictly dance floor. The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
