Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola Vows to ‘Protect’ Ellie Goldstein Amid Rumours She’s Left the Show
Vito Coppola’s Powerful Pledge to Protect Ellie Goldstein on Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing fans were recently stirred by rumours suggesting that Ellie Goldstein, the beloved model and actress with Down syndrome, had left the popular dance competition. These claims, however, were quickly dispelled by Ellie and her professional dance partner, Vito Coppola, who has now made a heartfelt vow to “protect” Ellie amid the false reports.
Vito Coppola, 33, an Italian professional dancer known for his fierce passion and dedication, took to social media to share a symbolic and emotional message. Using AI technology, Vito transformed an image of himself into a tiger—a representation of his protective nature—and paired it with a digitally edited video of Ellie confidently walking a catwalk alongside a tiger. This powerful visual metaphor underscored Vito’s commitment to stand by Ellie through any challenges.
In his message to followers, Vito expressed, “POV: when people ask how protective I am with my little sister. The answer is, ‘More than you can even imagine!’ I am extremely protective towards people I care about and love the most, and Ellie is definitely part of it!!! My priority in life is always to make people happy. This makes me happy, for me this is happiness!”
The message resonated deeply within the Strictly community. Shirley Ballas, the show’s head judge, responded with a red heart emoji, calling the message “Just beautiful.” Fellow professional dancer Karen Hauer echoed the sentiment, posting “Love Love Love” alongside the emoji. This outpouring of support highlights the strong bonds formed between the dancers and judges on the show.
Debunking the Rumours: Has Ellie Goldstein Really Left Strictly Come Dancing?
The rumours about Ellie Goldstein’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing began circulating earlier in the week, fueled by misleading social media posts claiming she had quit the show for “emotional reasons.” These false reports quickly gained traction, causing concern among fans and followers.
Ellie, 23, and Vito promptly put the rumours to rest by sharing videos of themselves training together, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the competition. Additionally, the pair appeared on the Strictly spin-off show, Strictly: It Takes Two, where they discussed their recent performances and shared insights into their journey on the show.
During the interview, Ellie opened up about the emotional impact of their Waltz performance, saying, “During the dance, I got a bit emotional, on the inside, not on the outside. But it was all worth it for that dance because of the great comments, great scores—I loved the dance.” This candid admission highlighted Ellie’s passion and dedication, further reassuring fans that she remains fully engaged with the competition.
Looking Ahead: Ellie and Vito’s Exciting Movie Week Performance
As Strictly Come Dancing moves into Movie Week, Ellie and Vito are gearing up for a vibrant and energetic Samba performance inspired by The Barbie Movie. Their routine will be set to the upbeat track “Dance the Night,” a song that holds special meaning for Ellie.
In 2023, Ellie was named an ambassador by toy giant Mattel for the first Barbie doll with Down syndrome, a milestone that reflects her advocacy for representation and inclusivity. Ellie has spoken openly about how important it was for her to see dolls she could relate to growing up, making this upcoming performance particularly significant.
On Strictly: It Takes Two, Ellie expressed her excitement, saying, “I am so, so over the moon with this dance. Barbie means everything to me. I like all the movies and all the dolls, so this dance will be really great for us. It’s got all the bounciness, the cheekiness, the sassiness, and the vibes.”
Vito confirmed that Ellie will be portraying Disco Barbie, while he will take on the role of Ken for their Movie Week performance. Fans can look forward to a lively and spirited routine that celebrates both their chemistry and Ellie’s inspiring story.
When to Watch: Strictly Come Dancing’s Movie Week and Upcoming Episodes
Strictly Come Dancing’s Movie Week airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6:05 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025. This week promises to be extra special as Cynthia Erivo, star of the hit musical Wicked, joins the show as a guest mentor and judge. Her presence adds an exciting dynamic to the competition, offering contestants valuable guidance and expert critique.
Following the performances, the two lowest-scoring couples will face a dance-off in Strictly Come Dancing: The Results, airing Sunday, October 12, at 7:15 pm on BBC One. As always, this segment will be filled with drama and anticipation, culminating in the farewell of one couple from the competition.
Fans eager to keep up with all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news and performances can find full schedule details on the official BBC website.
Conclusion
Vito Coppola’s vow to protect Ellie Goldstein amid unfounded rumours highlights the strength and solidarity within the Strictly Come Dancing family. Their inspiring partnership continues to captivate audiences, especially as they prepare for an exciting Movie Week performance celebrating inclusivity and joy. Don’t miss their Samba to The Barbie Movie’s “Dance the Night” this Saturday on BBC One. Stay tuned and show your support for Ellie and Vito by following their journey on Strictly Come Dancing!
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