BREAKING: Strictly’s Vito Coppola Reveals Exciting New Move Away From the BBC Show
The pro dancer appeared on BBC The One Show (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Vito Coppola has announced an exciting new project outside of the BBC dancing competition. The professional dancer has captured the hearts of audiences since his debut on the programme in 2022, joining alongside fellow newcomers Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas. Celebrated for his captivating performances on the dance floor, Vito is confirmed to return for the forthcoming series of Strictly.
However, while preparations for the new series are well underway, Vito has been occupied with another pursuit particularly dear to him. During Thursday’s episode of The One Show, marking the programme’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Vito disclosed that he has penned his debut memoir, Love Vito. The book chronicles his journey through food, family and his Italian roots, with Vito sharing candidly about the significant role cooking has held throughout his life.
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Alex and Roman welcomed Vito onto the show (Image: BBC)
Speaking to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, he stated: “This memoir is of course my life through food and there is the dancing and lots of family. I have a special strong connection with my family so through food I’ve been able to feel a connection to my family.”
Vito further disclosed that he departed home at merely 14 years of age and depended on his family to teach him cooking remotely.
“I was cooking with them through the phone and it wasn’t a smart phone so we had to speak over the phone,” he said. “Through the years I’ve learnt to cook, first for myself then to cook for others.”
The Strictly star also anticipates the book will provide readers with greater understanding of Italian cuisine and culture.
“There are things I want to educate people about Italy because people think Italy is just about pasta and pizza but there is an entire world to discover,” he added.
Vito Coppola has revealed an exciting new venture (Image: BBC)
His enthusiasm for cooking evidently made an impression on Alex, who quipped: “You need a cooking show.” Roman was swift to concur, enthusiastically responding: “Yes.”
Vito also provided viewers with an update regarding preparations for the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. When questioned about how rehearsals were progressing, he said: “Well we started the rehearsals two weeks ago. It’s been good, full on, lots of energy, we have our new pros and I’m looking forward to the new series.”
The dancer is well-versed in the kitchen, having previously demonstrated his culinary abilities on Celebrity MasterChef. Vito was crowned champion of the 19th series in September 2024, triumphing over fellow finalists Rochenda Sandall and Craig Doyle.
He won over judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with an array of heartfelt Southern Italian dishes, further emphasising his devotion to his heritage and cooking.
With his forthcoming memoir poised to delve into the stories behind that passion, Vito appears set to bring a flavour of his Italian heritage to fans beyond the Strictly dance floor.
