17 December 2023 , 10:23
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Ellie Leach has broken her silence on her incredible Strictly Come Dancing win as she paid an emotional tribute to her rumoured boyfriend Vito Coppola.
The Coronation Street star became the youngest ever winner of the BBC dancing competition at 22 years old as she lifted the Glitterball on Saturday evening. Speaking after she was announced as the 2023 winner, she said that "words cannot describe" how she's feeling and that she couldn't believe she had won. She also explained that her time on the show had been "so special" with "such a great teacher".
"Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now, and I cannot believe we have just won Strictly Come Dancing 2023," she said. "It’s been a life changing opportunity and I’ve had the time of my life dancing with Vito every week. It has been so special and to be able to do it with such great teacher has made it an experience I will never forget.
"Thank you so much for that Vito, and thank you for finding the dancer in me. We couldn’t have won without the voting public so a huge thank you to everyone at home who picked up the phone for us, we appreciate every single one of you! Finally a big congratulations to all the finalists and all the 2023 cast who are incredible, and came alongside this journey with me."
Ellie and Vito lifted the Glitterball on Saturday evening (PA)Meanwhile, Vito gushed: "This is unbelievable, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us, we love you and it means the world to us! Ellie, my Lulu, I am SO so proud of you. I have seen how hard you have worked, the dedication and determination you have shown and how much you have grown as a person these past 3 months. We’ve had the best time dancing together, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it! Thank you for being the best dance partner and thank you to everyone who has supported us each week and voted for us!"
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Ellie and Vito cheered as they were crowned this year's winners by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, despite a mistake earlier on leaving her worried she might lose out. The duo beat Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell to win the Glitterball Trophy.
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The Corrie star was lost for words as her name was shouted out, while Vito sobbed as he praised his co-star after a night of incredible performances. Ellie's victory saw her become the youngest winner of the series since it began making show history.
Speaking about her win, a lost for words Ellie said: "I actually, genuinely cannot believe this," as a sobbing Vito said: "Don't talk to me." An amused Ellie said: "This is the first time I have seen him cry, for once you're crying more than me so this is for you, this is for you."
Vito added: "I mean this is the cherry on the cake… the point of the iceberg, you have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are the diamond shining... you are amazing, I am so proud."
Ellie later made the most of their win by partying the night away at the BBC afterparty with the other Strictly stars. Vito was nowhere to be seen as a bleary-eyed Ellie went home with friends and family as she clutched onto her Glitterball.