Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola (Image: Vito Coppola Instagram)

Vito Coppola seemed to confuse some as he was seen in a ‘new couple’ after wrapping up another year of Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer has found himself hitting a setback as he was forced to withdraw from the show’s hit UK tour.

As fans know, Vito was partnered with actress Sarah Hadland during the BBC One dance contest’s 2024 series. They made it all the way to the final, which took place back in mid-December, and Vito and Sarah were seen just missing out on lifting the Glitterball trophy to eventual champions Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell.

After going their separate ways during the festive season, professional Vito was seen excitedly reuniting with Sarah in January as they prepared to embark on the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2025 tour. But, as the tour got underway in mid-January, Vito confirmed he will be missing the start of the string of arena shows due to an injury,

He was then replaced by his co-star Nikita Kuzmin until he was back to full strength and while Vito did make a return to the stage, and was seen lifting the Glitterball trophy having been voted the show winners by the live audience, the Italian star had to confirm he wasn’t able to finish the tour, which has since come to an end on Sunday (February 9).

It also meant that Vito’s work with Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas was also impacted for a short time after they agreed to put on dance classes up and down the country as they visited various cities on the Strictly Live tour.

Vito and Shirley mocked up a Valentine’s date (Image: Vito Coppola Instagram)
Vito was able to do most of the ‘Dance with Us’ classes with Shirley and the pair are now preparing for their next on Friday (February 14) which they have made a Valentine’s special. To promote their next move, the Vito and Shirley were seen in a video together in which they were seen at a dinner table serving up what appeared to be a Sunday roast.

Vito poured red wines into mugs as Shirley served herself some food while the Christina Perri track ‘A Thousand Years’ played in the background. They then did a ‘cheers’ with their mugs of wine before a poster showing the beaming pair gave details of their upcoming love-themed dance class.

But the video then returned to show Vito asking Shirley what one item was on his plate. Then after being out of shot, Shirley’s mother, Audrey, told Vito: “It’s a Yorkshire pudding,” which made Shirley burst into laughter before Vito got up and gave Audrey a cuddle.

Shirley’s mum ended up becoming the star of the show (Image: Vito Coppola Instagram)
Fans rushed to respond to the post and while one mistook Vito and Shirley for a couple, others were loving the Strictly stars together. @danyser9 said: “Vito, I don’t know if I love the wine in the mugs or “what is this?” more… You’re one of a kind.” @georginah15 wrote: “I love the surprise at the end!”

@giulio.tina commented: “Love this! Vito & Shirley pretending to be miserable, don’t think Vito can stay straight faced for so long.” @lauramrsromance replied: “Love this …. Every girl needs a @vitocoppola he’s such a joy !!! And that Kiss for your lovely mum.” @allyans58 posted: “This is brilliant. Love this.” @hillsideabode added: “Lovely couple!! But especially Shirley’s mother!!”