He has described dancing as his whole world, but his faith seems to be just as important to him.
Strictly Come Dancing favorite Vito Coppola has revealed he is a devout Christian – and goes to church every week without exception.
The 33-year-old Italian dancer, who will take part in the BBC hit in 2022, attends a weekly mass in central London, which reminds him of home.
He told the Daily Mail: ‘I never stop, alone [one day] that’s Sunday morning.
“I love waking up and going to church because I’m a Christian and we grew up with, you know, my mom, my family, we always go to church on Sunday mornings.
‘And there’s actually a beautiful Italian church in Farringdon. It’s called St. Peter’s, St. Peter’s Church, and I go there.
Strictly Come Dancing favorite Vito Coppola has revealed he is a devout Christian and goes to church every week without exception
The choreographer, ambassador for Italian bakery brand Balconi, also shared an insight into the five new professional dancers who have joined this year’s Strictly series
‘The mass is in Italian. The priest is Italian and it makes me feel a little closer to home. Then I go home, I make dinner.
‘I have a lot of video calls with my family, with my grandparents, with my brother, with my mother.
‘So this really helps me to remember who I am, where I come from, my roots. I’m an extension of my family, so if I’m here and able to do what I do and live the life I live, it’s because of them.
“So I owe them everything, you know, and I’m so, so proud of them. I love them so much.’
Vito spoke as the new brand ambassador for Balconi, the Italian bakery brand he grew up with.
The choreographer also shared an insight into the five new professional dancers who have joined this year’s Strictly series.
They include Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian hunk Cristian Priori, South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, Canadian dancer Mark Karmalita and British National Ballroom champion Maddie Ingoldsby.
Vito said: ‘They nestle beautifully, beautifully. They’re kind, they’re very respectful and polite and gentle and kind and honest, and I take them like a big brother. I take them under my wings.’
The three-time World Cup finalist continued: ‘The only one I knew before was Cristian, the Italian. We used to compete together, so we know each other, but to everyone else I just said, “guys, whatever you need, anytime, just call me, even at 3am”.’
The new pros have replaced Strictly’s longest-serving female pro Karen Hauer, who was axed by producers along with Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez.
Vito added: “So with these five new pros, I feel like they are my new brothers and sisters. That’s why I love taking care of them and taking care of them.
“Of course, I mean, not because they necessarily need it, but I make sure they know that if they need me, I’m there.
And also because I remember when I came here. When I came here I thought, I don’t know if there are people in Britain [would like me] You know, it’s a different culture.
“Maybe they think I’m too much, because I’m quite, you know, active and quite an excitable puppy who’s always around.”
Last year, Vito collaborated with actress Ellie Goldstein, who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue.
Last year, Vito collaborated with actress Ellie Goldstein, who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue.
The pair, who still dance together after developing a close friendship, were eliminated in week five.
This year’s line-up includes celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton, Love Island star Cache Mercer, YouTuber John Nellis, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and Gavin and Stacey’s Melanie Walters.
Vito Coppola has teamed up with Italian cake brand Balconi, available now from all major retailers (RRP from £1.75). For more information visit www.balconiuk.com or @balconi_uk
