It was speculated that Ellie and Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito were romantically involved (Image: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)
Ellie Leach has opened up about her relationship with former dance partner Vito Coppola, describing their bond as the “perfect partnership for each other” because he is “my type of person”.
The pair, who competed together and went on to win the 21st series of in 2023, sparked rumours of a romantic involvement due to their close-knit relationship off the dance floor.
However, both Ellie and Vito dismissed these speculations in an interview with the Mirror prior to the Strictly Live , insisting they were merely “good friends”.
In a recent chat with , Ellie addressed the rumours again, stating: “Ha! There are always rumours about people and everyone loves a Strictly romance… But we are the best of friends.
“All the pros are amazing at what they do, but Vito and I got along straightaway. I just sensed he was my type of person.”
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The pair landed the Glitterball Trophy in the 21st series (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
She further revealed that she felt comfortable and relaxed around despite him being less than calm.
She also expressed confidence in knowing she would be well taken care of throughout the show, reinforcing how they were the “perfect partnership for each other”
Meanwhile, Vito, speaking to in August, stated that he wasn’t focused on a relationship, feeling “very lucky” with his career and content with being “just me, myself and I”.
He said: “Sometimes I treat myself. I like to prepare nicely, even though it’s just myself, with a bit of decoration and food, and I light a candle and I say to myself, ‘OK, I’m grateful for this, I’m grateful for this life, I’m grateful for this food.’
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The pair quickly became close and shared a bond away from the Strictly dance floor (Image: Getty Images)
“I think of my family, because food always brings me to my family. I just feel very, very happy and grateful, actually. So sometimes I have a date with myself.”
Ellie has also been linked to fellow Strictly star Bobby Brazier, as they were seen laughing together after leaving a London bar.
Bobby addressed the rumours about his relationship with Ellie, stating: “She’s a lovely, lovely, lovely friend of mine.”
Ellie will be appearing on The Chase Celebrity Special on ITV tonight from 8pm.