Strictly Come Dancing professional Vito Coppola has revealed the sweet and supportive way he comforts his partner Ellie Goldstein behind the scenes.
Ellie, 23, has quickly captured viewers’ hearts with the joyful energy and passion she brings to each routine with the Italian dancer this season.
During an interview on This Morning, Ellie and Vito spoke with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary about how they prepare for the live shows. Vito also explained the special method he uses to help Ellie ease her nerves before stepping out under the glittering Strictly lights.
Dermot asked, “When you’re feeling nervous, what does Vito do to calm you down?”
Ellie replied with a smile, “He goes, ‘Alright, alright, calm down, calm down, I’m here baby, I’m here.’”
Vito then reminded her of the phrase he always uses: “What do I always say to you? Remember that you’re what?”
Ellie lit up and said, “My big brother is always by my side, and everything’s going to be alright. What you do for me is so lovely. When I watch it back, I cry.”
Vito pulled Ellie into a hug, reassuring her with a gentle, “Those are happy tears.”
Ellie then told him, “You bring me so much joy. Whenever you walk into a room, I’m like, ‘Vito, I love you!’” The Italian pro replied affectionately, “I love you too, sister.”
Speaking about Ellie’s nerves before the live shows, Vito added, “You never truly get used to it. I always try to find the right way to calm her — taking deep breaths, and reminding her that her brother is right beside her. There’s nothing to be afraid of.
“We’ve done this so many times, and even when she starts a routine alone, I tell her not to worry if she can’t see me. I’m right behind her, and she can always hear my voice. I keep talking to her the whole time.”
In addition to offering emotional reassurance, Vito has adapted his Strictly training methods to meet Ellie’s specific needs.
Because Ellie learns best visually, he sets up life-sized cardboard cutouts of the show’s judges and hosts around the rehearsal studio so she can familiarise herself with the ballroom setting. He also uses a whiteboard to map out each routine with drawings and fun symbols — including puckered lips to show when she should strike a pose and a flower to indicate open-armed movements.
The personalised approach seems to be paying off, as Ellie has consistently impressed the judges with her performances.
During Icons Week, she and Vito finished seventh on the leaderboard, tying with Karen Carney and Balvinder Sopal, who also scored 28 points.