Strictly Star Vito Coppola's Life: From Adorable Tribute to Major Career Update
Vito Coppola has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since 2022, when he was partnered with X Factor star Fleur East. The Italian-born performer has quickly become a fan-favourite on the BBC show, captivating audiences with his talent and charisma.
Early Life and Family Roots
Born in Eboli, Italy in 1992, Vito began dancing at the age of six at his father's dance school. He won his first Italian championship at just ten years old, showcasing early promise in the world of dance. With a younger brother named Jonathan, Vito maintains a close bond with his family, often sharing updates about his loved ones on social media.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, he expressed: "The love of my family, which is my root, my refuge, my strength. That kind of love that doesn't need words, that has always been there, reminding me every single day where I come from and who I truly am. That's where I find my truth and my deepest gratitude."
Career Update: Cooking Memoir and TV Appearances
The 33-year-old dancer is expanding his horizons beyond Strictly Come Dancing with a passion for cooking. A self-confessed foodie, Vito will release his food memoir titled Love, Vito in August 2026, which is already available for pre-order. The book blends personal memories with recipes, tracing his journey from life in Italy to Strictly stardom.
Vito first publicly embraced his culinary skills in 2024 when he won BBC's Celebrity Masterchef. He announced the memoir on Instagram, writing: "I am getting emotional writing, because this is a project I have been working for a while and it's a dream come true! As always I put all my love, heart and passion in everything I do and I really hope you will enjoy and love this book as much as I do."
In a recent TV appearance, Vito joined Saturday Kitchen Live on BBC One, not as a typical celebrity guest but as a guest chef, cooking alongside host Matt Tebbutt and musician Rebecca Lucy Taylor.
Co-Star Tribute and Personal Life
Vito remains close to his former Strictly partners, as evidenced by an adorable post earlier this month. He shared a picture cuddling Fleur East and her husband Marcel Badiane-Robin's young daughter, Nova, on her second birthday. He commented: "Two years since this little princess came into the world. Happy birthday little Nova. Your crazy Italian uncle Vito loves you and you are growing so fast!" He tagged Fleur and her husband, describing them as "incredible parents" and sending "the biggest hug and lots of love."
In his personal life, Vito was previously linked to personal brand strategist Valentina Sica in 2024 after they went "Instagram official" following a holiday. However, since September 2025, there have been no recent pictures of them together, leaving their current relationship status unclear.
Strictly Future and Tour Plans
Despite concerns among fans after popular dancers like Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez were let go from Strictly Come Dancing, Vito's future on the show appears secure. He is set to participate in the 2026 Strictly Live Arena Tour with his celebrity partner Ellie Goldstein and will also feature in the 2026 Strictly Professionals UK tour, indicating his return to the hit live show later this year.
Saturday Kitchen airs from 10am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, while Strictly Come Dancing is available on iPlayer for viewers to catch up on past episodes.
