Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach has spoken out in support of her former dance partner Vito Coppola and his new celebrity partner Lacey Turner. The former Coronation Street actress won the glitterball trophy with Vito in 2023.
Support for the New Partnership
Speaking exclusively, Ellie said: "I'm so excited for them, I really am. He is just the dream, I'm so excited for Lacey, I know she's going to have the best time with him."
Ellie, who was speaking amid a collaboration with The Royal Mint as Miss Scarlett for the new Cluedo 50p, added: "I was so excited for all the pairings this year... everyone looks like they're going to suit each other so well dance-wise, so I think it's going to be an incredible series."
New Series Details
Strictly has returned to BBC screens with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe stepping in to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. With the first elimination looming this weekend, all 15 celebrities will be hoping to impress the judges and the public.
Among the contestants is EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who earned a standing ovation during her first live performance — a cha-cha-cha to Whitney Houston's How Will I Know? alongside Vito.
Ellie's Reflections on Strictly
Following the launch programme, Ellie said: "Even though we've seen a bit more of them dancing, because it was a bit chaotic, I don't feel like we saw as much of everyone's potential. So going into the first live show, it is an even playing field, I don't know what people are going to be like, so I'm really excited to see what everyone's got their first dance and songs and stuff, and to be able to see them actually do a routine."
Ellie also discussed her bond with Vito and how Strictly revealed a different side to her character after audiences had known her as Faye Windass on Coronation Street for over a decade. She explained: "When you are used to seeing someone be one person for 13 years, it's hard to break that view. I loved being able to show people my personality and people got on board with me and Vito and they just saw that what you see is what you get. We had the most amazing time, and we had so much fun and built a massive friendship for life. So yeah, I was just really glad they could see that."
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday from 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
