Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola has announced a new career move away from the BBC dance competition. During Thursday's episode of The One Show, marking the programme's 20th anniversary celebrations, Vito revealed he has written his debut memoir, Love Vito.
The book chronicles his journey through food, family and his Italian roots, with Vito sharing candidly about the significant role cooking has held throughout his life. Speaking to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, he said: "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."
A Lifelong Connection Through Cooking
Vito disclosed that he left home at just 14 years of age and relied on his family to teach him cooking remotely. "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."
The Strictly star also anticipates the book will provide readers with greater understanding of 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.
Reactions and Strictly Update
His enthusiasm for cooking made an impression on Alex, who quipped: "You need a cooking show." Roman was swift to concur, enthusiastically responding: "Yes."
Vito also provided viewers with an update regarding preparations for the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. When questioned about how rehearsals were progressing, 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."
From MasterChef Champion to Memoirist
The dancer is well-versed in the kitchen, having previously demonstrated his culinary abilities on Celebrity MasterChef. Vito was crowned champion of the 19th series in September 2024, triumphing over fellow finalists Rochenda Sandall and Craig Doyle. He won over judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with an array of heartfelt Southern Italian dishes, further emphasising his devotion to his heritage and cooking.
With his forthcoming memoir poised to delve into the stories behind that passion, Vito appears set to bring a flavour of his Italian heritage to fans beyond the Strictly dance floor. The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
