Strictly Come Dancing 2023 champion Ellie Leach has backed Vito Coppola and his new dance partner, EastEnders star Lacey Turner. Speaking exclusively, Leach said she is excited for the pairing and believes Turner will have the best time with him.
Leach's verdict on new partnership
Leach, who won the glitterball trophy with Coppola in 2023, 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."
She 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."
Lacey Turner's debut
Turner earned a standing ovation for her debut live routine, a cha-cha-cha to Whitney Houston's How Will I Know? alongside Coppola. She had earlier said: "I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
This year's series sees Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe stepping in for Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. The opening elimination is looming this weekend, with 15 famous faces competing.
Reflections on the launch show
Reflecting after the launch show, where celebrities swapped between pro dancers before partnerships were revealed, Leach noted: "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."
Leach, who was speaking during a partnership with The Royal Mint as Miss Scarlett for the new Cluedo 50p, also discussed her bond with Coppola. She said: "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.
