BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola explains stance on on Graziano di Prima after scandal

Vito Coppola has made his feelings clear over his axed BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional co-stars. Vito, who hails from Italy, spoke out amid the Zara McDermott scandal which led to the Love Island star sparking Graziano di Prima's downfall.

As well as Graz, BBC viewers bid goodbye to Giovanni Pernice this year, amid a row over his treatment of Strictly Come Dancing contestant and BBC Sherlock star Amanda Abbington in 2023, when she appeared on the show but quit halfway through.

Vito, who was a finalist on the 2024 series alongside Sarah Hadland, after landing the Glitterball Trophy last year with Ellie Leach, has publicly shown support for former professional dancer Graziano, sharing a selfie of the pair on his Instagram Stories.

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In the image, both dancers can be seen beaming at the camera while holding hot chocolate cups in the chilly weather. Coppola accompanied the photo with the message "amico mio ti voglio bene," which translates to "my friend I love you."

Following his exit, Di Prima expressed regret on Instagram. Issuing a grovelling apology, the Italian pro said: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime."

Taking to social media last month, Di Prima shared his eagerness to return to performing. "After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing," he wrote as he issued an update to his fanbase.

He added: "The future is a whole world of new open windows, ready to welcome new dreams and new challenges, and I'm excited to continue this journey with even more determination and inspiration." Last week, Vito and Sarah were pipped to the Glitterball Trophy by winners Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell.