Ellie Leach has broken her silence on her Strictly Come Dancing win as she paid an emotional tribute to her rumored boyfriend and dance partner Vito Coppola.
The former Coronation Street actress, 22, became the show's youngest ever winner when she edged out Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams after each couple performed three dances for the judges.
Speaking about what it was like to lift the glitterball trophy, the soap star said: 'Words can't describe how I feel right now and I can't believe we've just won Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
'It has been a life-changing opportunity and I have had the time of my life dancing with Vito every week.
'It was so special and the fact that I got to do it with such a great teacher made it an experience I will never forget.
Ellie Leach has broken her silence on her Strictly Come Dancing win as she paid an emotional tribute to her rumored boyfriend and dance partner Vito Coppola
Vito gushed: 'This is incredible, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us, we love you and it means a lot to us! Ellie, my Lulu, I'm so proud of you.'
'Thank you so much for that, Vito, and thank you for finding the dancer in me. We couldn't have won without the voting public, so a big thank you to everyone at home who answered the phone for us, we appreciate you all!
“Finally, a big congratulations to all the finalists and all the 2023 cast, who are incredible and have been on this journey with me.”
Vito gushed: 'This is incredible, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us, we love you and it means a lot to us! Ellie, my Lulu, I am so proud of you. I've seen how hard you've worked, the dedication and determination you've shown, and how much you've grown as a person over the past three months.
'We had a great time dancing together, and I loved every second of it! Thank you for being the best dance partner and thank you to everyone who supported and voted for us every week!'
Ellie and Vito, who are rumored to be an item, were both stunned when their names were announced, with the soap star's family in tears as they watched from the studio audience.
The overwhelmed duo choked back tears as they hugged each other before speaking to presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
“I really can't believe this,” a stunned Ellie muttered before exclaiming that this was the first time she had ever seen Vito, 31, cry.
Ellie and Vito were both stunned when their names were announced, with the soap star's family bursting into tears as they watched from the studio audience.
'This is for you!' Ellie told her partner, who said the win was just the 'icing on the cake' before calling her a 'diamond'.
They raised the glitterball trophy as fireworks sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors.
The pair had impressed during the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth.
The final of the three earned them a whopping 40 points, with the judges raving about the actress's 'growth' and blossoming confidence during her time on the show.
The routine was labeled 'flawless' with Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all scoring 10 points each.
When they later spoke to co-host Claudia, they struggled to contain their emotions, with Vito saying: “For me, Ellie is Strictly” before throwing his arms around her and saying: “She's my winner after all!”
Their very steamy Pasa Doble opened the show as the people sizzled in skimpy costumes, earning an impressive 39 out of 40 points – as well as a standing ovation.
Once again the judges were full of praise as they enjoyed the former soap star's progress throughout the series.
The pair impressed during the final after performing a Pasa Doble, Show Dance and finally an American Smooth (pictured)
Fellow finalists Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell (right) and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin (left) watched as Ellie took the crown
But the evening went smoothly for the pair after their Show Dance proved to be slightly less successful, with the pair making few mistakes and a fail lift.
As Ellie tried to jump onto the Italian's shoulders, Ellie slipped, forcing him to save her before she fell to the ground.
She seemed upset about the mistake, with Vito throwing his arms around her and repeatedly kissing her on the cheek in an attempt to comfort her.
“You know what's amazing,” Judge Shirley said of the fall, “how you made it, you didn't panic.”
When the couple then joined presenter Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly for the scores, they received 36 out of 40.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Ellie and Vito had been seeing each other for over a month.
The pair have been in the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.
But the evening went smoothly for the pair after their Show Dance proved slightly less successful, with the pair making few mistakes and a botched lift (pictured)
Things between the film actress and the dancer are 'real', a source told the Mirror.
Vito reportedly visited Ellie's house several times outside of training as she confided in friends about her new relationship with him.
'Initially they were friendly, but as the weeks went by their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,” the friend said.
“She's not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a show is not her style – what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and insecure. Now she radiates self-confidence, and that's wonderful.'