BREAKING: Strictly’s Vito Coppola shares his true feelings about the show’s presenter change.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola has opened up about the show’s biggest shake-up in years, admitting he is both emotional about the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman and excited to see the new presenting team take over.
The BBC competition is preparing to return for its 24th series, but viewers will notice a very different line-up when the show comes back.
After Tess and Claudia stepped down following their final series together, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe were announced as their replacements.
The change also means Johannes is moving away from his usual choreography duties to take on a new role at the heart of the programme.
Speaking ahead of the new series, Vito made it clear he could not be happier for his longtime co-star.
“Jojo, my lovely Johannes, I love him so so much,” he said.
The Italian dancer added that he cannot wait to see Johannes “shine like the most beautiful star in the sky” and joked that he is already looking forward to seeing the outfits he chooses for his new role.
Vito Can’t Wait to See Johannes in New Role
Vito believes Johannes will embrace every part of the presenting job.
He joked that the South African star probably already has everything planned and ready ahead of the launch.
“I cannot wait, I cannot wait,” he said, making his excitement over the change obvious.
Johannes’ move represents one of the most significant changes to the professional line-up, with viewers accustomed to seeing him competing alongside a celebrity partner rather than presenting the programme.
But Vito is equally enthusiastic about the other new faces joining him.
He revealed that he immediately warmed to Emma Willis after meeting her.
“I met Emma and I’ve loved her since the first moment I met her in person,” he said.
His reunion with Josh Widdicombe was considerably more playful.
Vito reminded the comedian that the last time they had met, Josh was competing in the Strictly Christmas Special while dressed as a penguin.
The pair apparently shared a laugh about the memory as Josh prepared to return in a very different capacity.
‘We Are Going to Miss Claudia and Tess’
Despite his enthusiasm for the new team, Vito admitted that the transition remains emotional.
Tess and Claudia had become synonymous with the programme after years at the centre of the BBC show.
Vito joined Strictly in 2022, meaning they were the hosts he knew throughout his own time on the programme.
“We are going to miss Claudia and Tess, because Tess and Claudia are just amazing and beautiful,” he said.
But he insisted their departure has not dampened his excitement about what comes next.
“At the same time, I’m very excited and looking forward,” he added.
The 33-year-old is now preparing for another series after being paired with Ellie Goldstein during the previous season.
The new presenting team means this year will feel noticeably different not only for viewers but also for the dancers working behind the scenes.
For Vito, however, the mood appears to be one of optimism rather than uncertainty.
Vito Celebrates Personal New Partnership
Away from the ballroom, Vito has also announced a new partnership with Italian cake brand Balconi.
The collaboration holds a particularly personal meaning for him because he grew up eating the brand’s cakes with his brother in Italy.
He recalled having them regularly at breakfast and sometimes enjoying one with milk before bed.
For that reason, Vito said the deal feels much more personal than a standard commercial partnership.
“It’s not just a collaboration,” he explained. “It’s a beautiful, special collaboration in my heart.”
With a new presenting team, Johannes taking on a completely different role and another celebrity line-up preparing to enter the ballroom, Strictly is heading into one of its biggest periods of change.
But judging by Vito’s reaction, the professional dancers are ready to embrace it.
He may miss Tess and Claudia, but he appears just as eager as the viewers to see what Emma, Josh and Johannes bring to the next chapter of Strictly Come Dancing.
