Strictly fans go into meltdown as Ellie Leach, 22, becomes show’s youngest ever winner and dedicates Glitterball trophy to pro partner Vito Coppola, 31
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Strictly Come Dancing’s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola sent fans into meltdown as they won the show during Saturday’s live final.
At 22 years of age, soap star Ellie is the youngest winner of the Glitterball Trophy but was quick to dedicate it to Vito, announcing ‘this is for you’ as they hugged one another.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, as the news was announced, viewers shared: ‘ELLIE AND VITO WIN. As Vito himself said, Ellie “is Strictly”. To see just how much she has improved over the weeks is wonderful. What a great champion. #StrictlyFinal’;
‘Incredible winner. I’m so pleased for Ellie and Vito. My winners since the start #Strictly’; ‘she stumbled once throughout the entire series, it’s not just about the final, it’s about the entire series, Layton was AMAZING but Ellie deserved the Strictly win❤️’
‘I’m very excited for Ellie winning #Strictly, she has been my favourite, and not in a Brucie everyone-is-my-favourite kind of way. But any of the 3 finalists would have been a worthy winner, the standard has been so high.’;
Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola sent fans into meltdown as they won the show during Saturday’s live final
At 22 years of age, soap star Ellie is the youngest winner of the Glitterball Trophy but was quick to dedicate it to Vito, announcing ‘this is for you’ as they hugged one another
‘I just love Ellie and Vito #strictly’; ‘YAY ELLIE! The rightful winner, so chuffed for her and Vito #Strictly #NeverInDoubt’; ‘CONGRATULATIONS ELLIE & VITO!!!!!! What a cracker of a show! #Strictly
‘Well done Ellie and Vito…but Bobby and Layton…don’t be disappointed because blimey, you were both fantastic’; ‘Well done Ellie. Everything that Strictly represents.
‘A total true beginner who shone through week after week. Enjoyed the whole series, well done to the other two finalists too.’; ‘Congratulations Ellie & Vito ❤️ #strictly #StrictlyFinal Delighted Ellie and Vito won #Strictly Came at it from scratch and deserved it! Can’t be more happy for Vito either!!! His faith in Ellie and choreography makes him a worthy winner! #Strictly’.
Ellie and Vito, who are rumoured to be an item, were both gobsmacked when their names were announced with the soap star’s family breaking down in tears as they watched from the studio audience.
The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they embraced before speaking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
‘I actually, genuinely cannot believe this,’ a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry.
‘This is for you!’ Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the ‘cherry on the top’ before branding her a ‘diamond’.
They raised the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors.
Ellie and Vito, who are rumoured to be an item , were both gobsmacked when their names were announced with the soap star’s family breaking down in tears as they watched from the studio audience
The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they embraced before speaking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, as the news was announced, viewers shared their delight
The pair had impressed throughout the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.
The final of the three bagged them full 40 marks with the judges gushing over the actress’ ‘growth’ and blossoming confidence during her time on the show.
The routine was branded ‘flawless’ and saw Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all score it 10 points each.
Later speaking with co-host Claudia they struggled to contain their emotions with Vito saying: ‘For me, Ellie is Strictly’ before he wrapped his arms around her and said: ‘She is my winner anyway!’.
Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the sizzled in skimpy costumes earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points – as well as standing ovation.
Again the judges were full of praise as they revelled in the former soap star’s improvement throughout the series.
They raised the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors
‘I actually, genuinely cannot believe this,’ a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry
‘This is for you!’ Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the ‘cherry on the top’ before branding her a ‘diamond’
The pair couldn’t wipe the smiles from their faces as they posed with the shiny trophy
The pair had impressed throughout the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth (pictured)
The final of the three bagged them full 40 marks with the judges gushing over the actress’ ‘growth’ and blossoming confidence during her time on the show
Everything was absolutely spot on,’ Shirley gushed while Anton said the dance had made him emotional
Fellow finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell (right) and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (left) watched on as Ellie took the crown
Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the sizzled in skimpy costumes earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points – as well as standing ovation
Again the judges were full of praise as they revelled in the former soap star ’s improvement throughout the series
The pair smouldered during the sexy routine
But the evening was smooth sailing for the pair after their Show Dance proved a little less unsuccessful that saw the pair make few mistakes and a fail lift.
As Ellie tried to leap onto the Italian’s shoulders Ellie slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor.
She looked upset at the mistake, with Vito putting his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in a bid to comfort her.
‘Do you know what’s amazing’ judge Shirley said of the tumble, ‘How how you saved it, you didn’t panic’.
As the couple then joined host Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly for the scores they were awarded 36 out of 40.
Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month.
The pair have been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.
Things between the screen actress and the dancer are ‘genuine’ – a source told the Mirror.
Vito reportedly has visited Ellie’s home several times outside of training while she has confided in friends about her new relationship with him.
But the evening was smooth sailing for the pair after their Show Dance proved a little less unsuccessful that saw the pair make few mistakes and a fail lift (pictured)
As Ellie tried to leap onto the Italian’s shoulders she slipped, leaving him to save her before she hit the floor
She looked upset at the mistake, with Vito putting his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in a bid to comfort her
Ellie and Vito have been at the centre of romance rumours throughout this year’s series after their on-screen chemistry caught the eyes of fans of the show
Strictly 2023 Final: The Leaderboard
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
Favourite Dance – Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen -(10+10+10+10) = 40
Show Dance – Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Judges’ Pick – Quickstep to Puttin’ On The Ritz by Gregory Porter – (10+10+10+10) = 40
Total: 119
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Favourite Dance – American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams – (10+10+10+10) = 40
Show Dance – Jennifer Lopez Megamix – (9+9+9+9) = 36
Judges’ Pick – Paso Doble to Insomnia by 2WEI – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Total: 115
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
Favourite Dance – Couple’s Choice to This Woman’s Work by Maxwell – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Show Dance – La La Land Medley – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Judges’ Pick – Samba to Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton – (9+10+10+10) = 39
Total: 117
‘Initially, they were friendly but as the weeks went on, their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,’ said the friend.
‘She’s not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a showmance isn’t her style – what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and unsure. Now she’s radiating confidence, which is lovely.’
There was stiff competition on the night with Layton, 29, also awarded full marks for his incredible first performance with his pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, after the pair took to the floor with a lively quickstep which they previously performed in week two.
The judges gave him a standing ovation, saying how Layton had inspired young boys at home to dance.
The actor has come under fire amid claims his West End experience has given him an unfair advantage in the competition.
They also performed a showdance to Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo and their favourite dance, the Tango to Tattoo by Loreen.
Meanwhile EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, and Dianne Buswell, 34, also impressed with their Samba but they just missed out on full marks, scoring a 39 out of 40 for their performance.
Later in the show he left fans in tears as he recreated his Couple’s Choice in honour of later mum Jade Goody.
Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother’s Day in March 2009.
There was stiff competition on the night with Layton , 29, also awarded full marks for his incredible first performance with his pro partner Nikita Kuzmin , 25, after the pair took to the floor with a lively quickstep which they previously performed in week two
The judges gave him a standing ovation, saying how Layton had inspired young boys at home to dance
The actor has come under fire amid claims his West End experience has given him an unfair advantage in the competition
They also performed a showdance to Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo (pictured) and their favourite dance, the Tango to Tattoo by Loreen
The competition was anyone’s to win as everyone showcased their talents
His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44, single-handedly raised him and younger brother Freddie, 19, with the pair both shedding some tears as they watched on from the audience.
Bobby chose to perform the routine again in this weekend’s final after it was first shown on the show last month, with the screen star also leaving judges Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse close to tears as they gave their comments.
Emotional viewers took to Twitter after the dance, with one person writing: ‘Have to say, seeing Bobby and his family with tears, made me ball my eyes out. Jade would be so proud.
While a second said: ‘I don’t think there’s a time where Bobby dance won’t get me in tears. Cancer is horrible and I know exactly how he feels. It’s horrible. Well done Bobby’.
And: ‘Not going to lie, Bobby’s last dance certainly had me in tears. You can tell how much it means to him’.
‘I cant stop crying over Bobby, plus the judges comments,’ noted someone else.
While someone else wrote: ‘Oh Bobby and Dianne. That was lovely. I’m crying. Love you Bobby.’
Meanwhile EastEnders star Bobby Brazier , 20, and Dianne Buswell, 34, also impressed with their Samba but they just missed out on full marks, scoring a 39 out of 40 for their performance
Later in the show he left fans in tears as he recreated his Couple’s Choice in honour of later mum Jade Goody
His father, TV presenter Jeff, 44 (centre), single-handedly raised him and younger brother Freddie, 19 (left), with the pair both shedding some tears as they watched on from the audience
The screen star also leaving judges Anton Du Beke (pictured) and Motsi Mabuse close to tears as they gave their comments
EastEnders star Bobby chose to perform the routine again with his professional partner Dianne Buswell , 34, in this weekend’s final
Actor Bobby was only five when Jade, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002, died of cervical cancer on Mother’s Day in March 2009
Jade (right) was a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002 (pictured with Big Brother host Davina McCall, left)
Emotional viewers took to Twitter after the dance, with one person writing: ‘Have to say, seeing Bobby and his family with tears, made me ball my eyes out. Jade would be so proud
Another person wrote:’I’m not crying you are. You’re mum would be so proud of you Bobby.’
Before dancing the routine earlier in the series, Bobby said of his mother’s death: ‘It changed my life completely, I’d love to spend a day with her just to see where I get my smile from.’
In the emotional VT before Bobby’s performance with his partner Dianne last month, Jeff paid tribute to Jade and how proud she would be of their son.
He told the camera: ‘As a family we are very tight, we have had to be as loss has made us grow closer.’ Bobby added his love for his dad by saying: ‘To be someone that my dad is proud of is everything.’
Breaking down in tears Jeff called himself ‘the lucky one’, explaining: ‘I’m the one who gets to bring the boys up I’m the one who gets to watch him on Strictly and it brings so much joy to my life, I’m very, very grateful for that.’
Viewers were again moved to tears earlier in the episode when Amy Dowden made her return to the show’s dance floor.
Viewers were again moved to tears earlier in the episode when Amy Dowden made her return to the show’s dance floor
And viewers were left in ‘floods’ of tears as professional dancer Amy Dowden made her surprise return to the floor amid her cancer battle
Fans were quick to take to social media after the dancer take centre stage and strut her stuff
The professional dancer, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy in July, taking this year off from the show while she underwent treatment.
While she has made appearances on the programme and its spin-off It Takes Two, she had not danced with her fellow professionals before the final.
But on Saturday she took to the dance floor once again, opting to go without a wig having lost her hair following her chemotherapy.
The moment left viewers feeling emotional, with many taking to Twitter to express their joy at seeing her on screen.
One viewer wrote: ‘Tearing up at seeing Amy Dowden dancing in the #StrictlyFinal Let’s have her back on #strictly soon!’
Someone else shared: ‘That Amy Dowden reveal was a MOMENT.’
‘@AmyDowden is dancing!!! Oh my gosh that’s so good to see. Leaky eyes moment,’ shared another viewer.
While someone else posted: ‘OMG #Strictly A minute in and bawling seeing gorgeous #AmyDowden dancing.’
Another show fan commented: ‘Amy Dowden dancing without a wig is the energy everyone needs.’
While someone else shared: ‘Great to see Amy Dowden in the opening routine!!’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
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