BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland declares love for co-star after 'heartbreaking' announcement

Sarah Hadland has declared her love for her Strictly Come Dancing co-star as their journey dancing together came to an early end. The actress was responding to Vito Coppola's announcement confirming he isn't able to return to the show's UK-wide tour.

The pair were reunited earlier this month (January) for the first time since they made it to the final of the BBC One dance contest's 2024 series last year. After just missing out on lifting the Glitterball trophy to eventual champions Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, the pair celebrated the festive season before coming back together for more dancing.

However, as the tour got underway in mid-January, Vito confirmed he will be missing the start of the string of arena shows due to an injury and that he would be replaced by his co-star Nikita Kuzmin until he's back to full strength.

Despite returning for one show, which saw him and Sarah lift the Glitterball trophy after being flooded with votes from the live audience in the arena in Newcastle, Vito has confirmed he won't be able to return to the tour and Nikita will stay dancing with Sarah in his place.

Sharing a video of his last moment back performing with Sarah, who he nicknamed Trilly, Vito emotionally shared on Instagram: "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."

He continued: "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 went on to share in the comments section: "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 was quick to respond, as she told him: "Love you Vito," while fans of the pair rushed to share their support as well as gush over their 'beautiful friendship' and praised their 'incredible' journey while also admitting they were 'heartbroken' and 'shattered' by the fact Vito wasn't going to be performing.

Vito's announcement came as Sarah and Vito were chosen as the winners during a second night in Liverpool on Wednesday night (January 29). A post on Strictly Live's Instagram page said: "They’re not in the background copying Craig’s Charleston tonight, @hadderstime and @nikita__kuzmin are front and centre lifting the final glitterball in Liverpool!"

Sarah then replied: "Thank you so much Liverpool," and fans were equally thrilled. @castle_skyla_ said: "Ah @hadderstime you are the sweetest. So deserved. Congratulations!!" @sarahandvito commented: "Yayyyyy!!!!! Congratulations Sarah and Nikita!, Truly deserved!, So proud of you both! TeamSarkita."

@runnikrun wrote: "Absolutely amazing, you guys were fantastic tonight!" @kazbook.777 replied: "This is fantastic, you are both amazing! Congratulations Sarah and Nikita!" @sarahhadlandfanpage added: "Huge congratulations @hadderstime and @nikita__kuzmin, So deserved! #TeamSarkita."