Vito Coppola, a fan-favorite from Strictly Come Dancing, is offering words of encouragement to the five professional dancers who were recently axed from the show. Speaking out following the controversial cuts, the 33-year-old Italian dancer, who triumphed in 2023 with partner Ellie Leach, told the dancers not to get discouraged, adding: “In the dancing world, you learn not to be too happy or too sad when something happens. It helps you stay grounded and keep moving forward.”
Vito, who joined the BBC dance competition in 2022, will be returning for the new series, but several of his fellow pros are not so lucky. Among those who were let go are the seasoned dancers Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk, leaving fans shocked and saddened by the unexpected departures.
Despite the shake-up, Vito shared his deep connection to the show, which he now calls “his second family.” He recalled how Strictly is the reason he moved to the UK, and how the camaraderie among the pros has become like a supportive, extended family to him.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola has addressed multiple pro dancers’ exits from the BBC show
Vito, 33, joined the BBC show in 2022 and won the competition in 2023 with dance partner Ellie Leach
The excitement surrounding the new season continues, as several stars from last year’s series will return. Dianne Buswell, who gave birth to son Bowden in March, is making her comeback, as is Amy Dowden, who had to leave early last season. Other confirmed returnees include Julian Caillon, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, and Jowita Przystał, among others.
But it’s not all about the dancers. A major change is on the horizon as Strictly bosses scramble to find new hosts following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. With just months until the 24th series begins, auditions for their replacements have been nothing short of dramatic, with top celebrities like Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, and Zoe Ball all vying for the coveted spots. Sources suggest chemistry will play a major role in the final decision.
Meanwhile, Gorka Marquez, one of the high-profile exits, confirmed his departure from the show, bidding an emotional farewell after years of being part of Strictly‘s family. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to build a career, start a family, and form lifelong friendships, while sharing his excitement for the upcoming Strictly Pro Tour.
As changes loom large for Strictly Come Dancing, fans can expect a thrilling new chapter for the show, with some familiar faces and exciting new ones bringing the magic to the dance floor.
What’s Next for Strictly?
With the search for new hosts intensifying, who will step up to fill Tess and Claudia’s shoes? And what surprises does the new series have in store? Stay tuned!
