Despite his reputation for bringing the heat to the dancefloor, Strictly Come Dancing champion Vito Coppola has confirmed that his love life is currently simmering on the back burner. Following his triumph with Coronation Street star Ellie Leach last year, speculation was rife regarding a potential romance between the pair. However, the Italian professional dancer has put the rumours to bed, revealing he remains happily single while awaiting news on his next celebrity partner.
For the time being, the 31-year-old is channeling his energy entirely into his craft. Quoting Lady Gaga, Coppola insisted he is “in love with his art” and his career, leaving him in a current state of “me, myself and I.” Yet, the lack of a romantic partner hasn’t stopped him from enjoying intimate, candlelit evenings.
A date with himself
Coppola has developed a wholesome self-care routine to combat homesickness while away from his native Italy. He frequently prepares elaborate meals for one, setting the mood with candles and decorations to reflect on his fortunes.
“Sometimes I treat myself,” Coppola explained, noting that the ritual helps him feel connected to his family through the medium of food. He views these solitary dinners as a practice in gratitude, taking moments to appreciate his life and career. “I just feel very, very happy and grateful, actually. So sometimes I have a date with myself.”
From the ballroom to the kitchen
This passion for food—which Coppola describes as his “first love”—will soon be put to the test as he enters the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen. He hopes to discover if he has inherited the culinary prowess of his beloved nonna, asserting that food is the ultimate unifier. “Before even starting to dance I’ve been eating, and trust me, I’ve been eating a lot,” he joked.
Before signing up, he sought counsel from fellow Strictly professionals, including former MasterChef alumni Oti Mabuse, Johannes Radebe, and Katya Jones. They assured him that if he applied the same intensity to cooking as he does to dancing, he would win over judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode.
His current professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, was particularly instrumental in his decision. The pair, who affectionately refer to one another with nicknames like “Gorgie” and “Gorgelina,” discussed the move at length. Buswell urged him to simply be authentic, a sentiment echoed by his peers who told him to bring his signature “super passion” to the stove.
Coppola, who is accustomed to the scrutiny of Strictly judges like Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas, insists he is ready for constructive criticism. “I’m always smiling, but you can see the drops of sweat,” he admitted, adding that he welcomes feedback as a tool for improvement.
Global TV Watch: ‘The 50′ shakes up reality television
While British screens prepare for more culinary battles, a massive new format has just landed in the international reality TV market. The 50, touted as one of the most ambitious unscripted series to date, officially premiered on February 1, 2026. The show has locked 50 celebrities inside a grand palace for a high-stakes game of strategy and endurance.
Format and Gameplay
The premise sees the extensive cast competing over 50 days in a variety of physical, mental, and social challenges. In a significant departure from standard reality formats, the power lies entirely within the palace walls. There is no public voting; instead, eliminations are determined by the contestants themselves. This internal voting system is expected to drive a narrative heavy on alliances, tactical betrayals, and psychological gameplay.
Industry insiders have also linked the role of the “Game Master” to filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan, suggesting a strong narrative thread tied to her persona.
Prize Fund and Stakes
The financial stakes are high, with a starting prize pot of Rs. 50 lakh. However, the format introduces a twist: the final total is fluid. The cash prize can rise or fall depending on the contestants’ performance in tasks, penalties incurred, and strategic choices made throughout their confinement.
Broadcast Details
To maximise viewership, producers have adopted a hybrid release strategy. Digital audiences can catch new episodes daily at 9 PM IST on the streaming platform JioHotstar. Traditional television viewers can tune in to Colors TV shortly after, with episodes airing at 10:30 PM IST.
The Line-up
The cast list is a veritable who’s who of the entertainment industry, blending television royalty with digital stars and reality show veterans.
The roster includes seasoned TV actors such as Karan Patel, Urvashi Dholakia, Shiny Doshi, Ridhi Dogra, and Ridhima Pandit. The digital space is represented by heavyweights like Mr Faisu, Rajat Dalal, Dushyant Kukreja, and Maxtern.
Furthermore, the show has recruited experienced reality TV competitors who understand the mechanics of social strategy, including Prince Narula, Divya Agarwal, Shiv Thakare, Nikki Tamboli, and Monalisa. Other notable figures entering the palace include Sapna Choudhary, Dino James, Manisha Rani, Krishna Shroff, and Yuvika Chaudhary.
