Strictly’s Ellie Leach addresses Vito Coppola romance rumours saying he’s ‘part of her family’
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Ellie Leach has addressed romance rumours with pro partner Vito Coppola - admitting her family "love him."
The Coronation Street actress, 22, and Italian dancer have continually sparked speculation they are dating, most recently when Vito branded her a "perfect diamond."
Meanwhile, last weekend, Ellie and Vito, 31, sent viewers crazy with their very passionate Argentine Tango to Destiny's Child track Bills, Bills, Bills.
As the intimate dance unfolded on Saturday night, fans were convinced the stars 'almost kissed' on the ballroom floor.
It came after Vito added more fuel to the speculation as they cuddled up for a series of loved-up snaps.
Now the Faye Windass star has opened up on their close partnership.
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She told MailOnline: "'He's become part of the family.
"They love him and he loves my mum's gravy."
The Corrie favourite continued: "My mum cooked a beef stew — just an ordinary beef stew, nothing special I thought, but he loved it, so every time he comes for tea, he asks 'will there be gravy?"
Ellie told how her pro partner has helped her "find my own personality."
She added: "Vito is wild.
"But that's what makes every single day such fun. I'd never done anything like this before, but he's such a great teacher and great human that he gives me the confidence.
"Vito has encouraged me to come out of my comfort zone."
Yet her comments come after The Sun exclusively revealed the pair were "faking" their romance.
We told how the pair have embarked on a “showmance” in the hope it wins them the hit BBC dance contest.
A source told us: “Vito is an experienced pro, and knows what he’s doing.
“He and Ellie had an instant friendship and a great connection, but it definitely wasn’t sexual.
“However, once viewers picked up on their connection, Vito especially was keen to let people jump to their own conclusions.
“By letting people think they’re together, the hope is they’ll further endear themselves to the nation.
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“A few others on the show think it’s a bit cynical but they genuinely are having a lot of fun together.”
At the time, a Strictly spokeswoman declined to comment.
