Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola shares one 'rule' he has for celebrity partner

Vito Coppola has shared that he and his celebrity dance partner Ellie Goldstein have a "rule" as they prepare for their first Strictly Come Dancing performance. The pairing was unveiled for the 2025 series of the popular dance programme during the season premiere on Saturday (September 20).

The opening episode saw presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introduce the 15 new celebrity contestants - now sadly reduced to 14 following Dani Dyer's unexpected exit due to injury - to the ballroom for the first time, under the watchful gaze of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. It was the first time that pairings had been confirmed officially, as viewers learnt that professional Vito and model and disability advocate Ellie would be taking to the dancefloor together. Ellie, 23, is making history by competing in the 23rd series of Strictly, becoming the first participant with Down syndrome. Starting her modelling career at just 15 years old, Ellie has since worked on campaigns with Nike, Vodafone and Superdrug.

In 2023, she broke new ground as the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of British Vogue, having also graced the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag and Euphoria magazines.

At the launch, an ecstatic Ellie revealed in her opening VT: "I love dancing and I love Strictly. I'm really looking forward to the costumes, like the sequin vibes. It will be magical and fantastical. I can't wait to get in front of all of the judges - even Craig!"

Ellie's pairing with Vito, who previously reached the final with Sarah Hadland and clinched the Glitterball trophy with Ellie Leach in 2023, was later announced. Now, anticipation is mounting for their debut performance, with Ellie and Vito already showing great chemistry during training sessions.

A joyful Instagram video posted on Tuesday (September 23) showcased them dancing away, accompanied by Vito's caption: "Our usual lunch break." He added that there was "just one rule," before clarifying: "TO HAVE FUUUUUUUN."

Dianne Buswell, last year's Glitterball winner and Vito's friend, quickly chimed in with a heartwarming: "[heart emoji] My team."

The duo's fans are equally enthusiastic, eagerly awaiting their first live show on the Strictly stage. One viewer exclaimed: "The split" Let's go Ellieee. Can't wait to see your first performance together."

Meanwhile, another predicted: "Seriously.... this girl is gonna go far in this comp! Got a good feeling with these two."

In agreement, one more said: "Could Ellie have been picked to have anyone more perfect than Vito. Her journey is going to be delightful cos of him."