Strictly's Ellie Leach devastated after accidentally breaking Glitterball Trophy

07 January 2024 , 12:49

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Ellie Leach has already broken her Strictly Come Dancing trophy (Image: Instagram)

Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach has been left "gutted" after accidentally breaking the BBC show's Glitterball Trophy just two weeks on from winning the 2023 series.

Former Coronation Street star Ellie lifted the prize alongside her professional dance partner and rumoured love interest, Vito Coppola on December 16. The pair saw off competition from fellow couples Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin in an intense conclusion to the series.

Ellie, 22, was handed a replica of the trophy to take home following her victory, but its plastic writing has since snapped off, much to her devastation. The actress has now asked her handy dad to try and repair it.

Ellie and Vito Coppola were crowned Strictly champions on December 16 (PA)

A friend of Ellie told the Sun: "Ellie was gutted that she hasn’t been able to show off her trophy after so many of her friends are desperate to hold it. Luckily Ellie’s dad Al is good at fixing things so she gave it to him to put back together. It is her prized possession and she can’t wait to put it up in the house."

Holding the trophy aloft on an Instagram post last month, Ellie wrote: "This win is for everyone who feels like they’re not good enough. You are enough. Please be kinder to yourselves and have more belief and find joy in the little things This experience has taught me that giving your best is all you can ask of yourself, worrying about things that are out of your control isn’t going to stop them from happening.

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"Saying no because you’re scared is taking away an opportunity from yourself that could end up being great. I am stronger, more resilient and more confident. I have learnt that it’s okay to be kind to yourself when you’re having bad days and good days and i have learnt to cherish every single second of life because you will really see the joy it can bring."

Last week Ellie and Vito offered their biggest hint yet that they're in a relationship after sharing unseen footage taken backstage at Strictly. The couple were seen cuddling up as teary Ellie said: "This is our last time in the training room on Strictly Come Dancing 2023. Ellie and Vito, The Aubergine's Team. From the beginning to now, I have had the most incredible journey with the most incredible partner and I feel very, very grateful."

And following her emotionally charged address, Vito admiringly told Ellie that she was "beautiful inside and out". He added: "I'm so so proud of the woman you are, of the beautiful person you are inside and outside. You cannot imagine how proud you made me and all the people who love you and I hope you are proud of yourself."

Alan Johnson