BBC Strictly's Vito Coppola hugs Ellie Leach as she opens up on key part of relationship

It's been a very dramatic weekend for the Strictly Come Dancing team, following Casualty star Nigel Harman's unexpected exit from the show.To recap, the 50 year old actor was forced to withdraw from the BBC dancing competition after he sustained an injury to his rib while rehearsing for his performance that was scheduled for Saturday night. Announcing his departure, Nigel expressed his disappointment to host Claudia Winkleman and explained what actually happened.

Antony Cotton has thrown support behind his former Coronation Street co-star Ellie Leach as the Strictly Come Dancing final approaches. The actor, who has played factory worker Sean Tully in the ITV soap since 2011, said he is 'so proud' of the former Faye Windass actress, who is in the running for the Glitterball trophy.

Ellie Leach has shared her surprise and gratitude at reaching the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final.The former Coronation Street star, 22, who is competing for this year's Glitterball trophy with professional dancer Vito Coppola, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt thanks to her fans. Posting to her Instagram Story, Ellie wrote: "Never in a million years did I think we would get this far, I'm so grateful to be here and can't wait for another week of chaos with Vito Coppola. "Thank you all for your support none of this would be possible without you who support us every week." Ellie also shared a clip of Nigel Harman's emotional farewell, after he was forced to exit the show due to an injury, adding: "And as for this one...

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been confirmed to be 'seeing each other' following mounting speculations of romance between the pair during their time on Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left saying 'good job' as Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola caused a bit of a divide as they opened Musicals week. It was all about the razzle-dazzle of the stage on Saturday night (December 2) as the BBC One dance contest returned to screens for the quarter-finals.

Vito Coppola has been dominating the dancefloor with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Ellie Leach, but off screen switches off in his stylish home. The professional dancer, 31 and Coronation Street star, 22 have been impressing the judges with their skilled routines and undeniable chemistry which has secured them some top scores on the leaderboard.They've become fan favourites on the hit BBC show and are even tipped to take home the Strictly trophy. Away from Strictly, Vito can be found posting a number of videos on Instagram of his impressive home workouts, which have given a glimpse inside his minimalist but trendy pad.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola has given an insight into how hard he and Ellie Leach are training to prepare for Saturday night’s quarter final. The 31 year old pro dancer took to social media to share the update just hours after the pair had appeared on the BBC show’s spin-off programme It Takes Two. He posted a video on Instagram showing him and Coronation Street star Ellie, 22, sitting on the floor of the rehearsal room.

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola could win Strictly Come Dancing based on two factors, according to an expert. The actress and the professional dancer are set to perform in the quarter-finals of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 2) with the Glitterball trophy now very much in sight.

One of the remaining Strictly Come Dancing couples has been dealt a huge blow ahead of this week's show - as it has been claimed they 'won't make the final'. This weekend the BBC One dance contest enters week eleven which is not only the quarter-finals, but also the much-loved Musicals week. And the final five couples are ready to take to the dancefloor in the hope of impressing the judges and the voting public before the semi-finalists are revealed with the Glitterball trophy now well and truly in sight.

Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach has shared an empowering message about self confidence as she admitted to being "so embarrassed" of her appearance in the past.The former Coronation Street star, 22, posted on her Instagram Stories to show fans some of the skin problems she had been suffering with over the past few weeks as a contestant on Strictly. Ellie shared a no makeup selfie showing the blemishes on her face and in a candid caption, told fans that she had long struggled with problem skin but that she had learned to love the way she looks.

Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola gave an insight into how hard he and Ellie Leach are training for the quarter-finals after the pair shared 'love' remarks. The Italian dancer took to his Instagram Story to offer the update hours after they had appeared on It Takes Two.

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has told how she was rushed to hospital amid a 'never-ended health nightmare'. The dancer recently marked the end of her chemotherapy treatment by emotional ringing the bell months after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ellie Leach has told her fans 'you're not alone' as she offered a personal update amid her busy training schedule with Vito Coppola. The former Coronation Street actress is currently working hard for another week competing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have said they're 'so bored' as they shared a mixed reaction to the song and dance choices for Musicals week. The razzle-dazzle of the stage will be coming to the Elstree studio ballroom when the BBC One dance contest returns on Saturday (December 2).

Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach has shared her excitement as she broke her silence on making it through to another week in the BBC One dance contest. The actress said she 'can't wait' as she reacted to her dance partner Vito Coppola's lengthy message on Monday (November 27).

Strictly Come Dancing celebrity Ellie Leach has introduced professional partner Vito Coppola to her family and they 'love' him. Currently taking the BBC ballroom by storm, the former Coronation Street actress and the Italian choreographer's chemistry and antics have fuelled romance rumours for weeks now. Having just busted out an Argentine Tango to Destiny's Child track Bills Bills Bills, the duo joined co-host Claudia Winkleman on the sofa.

Things were heating up during BBC's Strictly Come Dancing as Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola appeared to almost kiss during their routine on Saturday night. The fiery couple have been riding high in the competition so far, with former Coronation Street star Ellie showcasing her impeccable moves on the dance floor. Away from the show, fans have been speculating over their relationship, with many fans commenting on their undeniable chemistry.

The cast and crew of Strictly Come Dancing have officially arrived home from Blackpool and the competition continues in the usual Elstree studio this weekend. Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft, Nigel Harman, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier are the six celebrities still left in the competition.

Fans have been rushing to respond as Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola shared a fresh insight into his relationship with Ellie Leach as he told of their 'words'. The Italian dancer is preparing for week ten of the BBC One dance contest alongside his celebrity dance partner.

Ellie Leach, 22, and Vito Coppola, 31, have been enjoying a close bond off-screen, and the romance rumour mill has just gone up a notch after the pair was spotted on a cosy walk while out and about in Blackpool for this weekend's show.The pair were wrapped up and full of smiles as they braved the winds of Blackpool seaside away from rehearsals, and looked happy and cosy as they strolled along in one another's company, regardless of the chill in the air. BBC Strictly Come Dancing and Coronation Street star, Ellie has said that Vito is "part of her family" and have had tongues wagging ever since their first dance on the show, with many fans commenting on their undeniable chemistry.