BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola issues emotional update as he 'closes' journey with co-star

Vito Coppola has delivered a heartfelt message to his followers as he bids farewell to his dance adventure with Sarah Hadland. The dynamic duo, who danced together in the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing, made it to the final in mid-December, narrowly missing out on winning the Glitterball trophy to Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell.

After spending the holiday season apart, Vito joyously reunited with Sarah earlier this month for the anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Live tour. Unfortunately, due to an injury, Vito had to sit out the commencement of the tour as colleague Nikita Kuzmin filled in for him.

Despite his challenge, Vito returned triumphantly to lift the Glitterball trophy with Sarah following audience votes during the live shows. Yet, the Italian dancer has now announced that his journey on the road must end as he focuses on his recovery.

In a moving Instagram post, alongside a video capturing his last performance with Sarah, affectionately dubbed Trilly by Vito, he expressed: "This is the way I would like to remember this tour Trilly. Even though I won't be able to be with you on the Strictly Arena Tour, we had the chance to dance one more time together and it has been as always super beautiful and memorable."

"Let's always see the glass half full and to stay, keep and spread positivity. We have closed the circle of our journey Trilly and I am glad that we have lifted the trophy together. Team Tiramisu for one last time. I will keep following you and cheering for you, as always and I will come to watch the show every single time I can, so don't worry, you won't get rid of me.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

He elaborated, adding a personal commitment: "I promised you that I will take more care of me and my body and I want you to promise me that you will always stay the same enthusiastic, super active, smiling and jumpy person I have met few months ago, before this incredible experience started... keep shining Trilly, you are full of life."

"You are a beautiful person, an amazing woman and the best mom, you know that I Mean It! ! ! Love you tiny little Trilly. Good luck to everyone and don't have too much fun without me jokiiiing...Have the best time and Enjoyyyyy . Thanks to you all beautiful people, for the support, for the lovely messages and for everything you constantly do for me. You make me feel loved and warmly welcomed. Keep Danciiiiiiing #teamtiramisu."

Vito took to the comments section to update his followers, saying: "Even though I am not able to lift and dance full out during an entire show, the recovery is going well and I am giving my best in order to be back soon and stronger! ! ! In the meantime I will see everyone in Manchester, Nottingham and London, as I will be present for the 'dance with us'@dancewithshirleyandvito classes. Thank you everyone for your support and love. I feel happy knowing that you are in safe hands with @nikita__kuzmin Trillyyyyyy."

Sarah quickly replied to his post, expressing her affection with: "Love you Vito," while fans also chimed in, expressing their support and admiration for the duo's 'beautiful friendship' and their 'incredible' shared journey.