Vito Coppola is back on screen tonight for a new episode of Celebrity MasterChef, taking on The Traitors star Diane Carson and Mutya Buena Sugababes.
The 31-year-old Italian dancer and choreographer is also rehearsing for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing, which airs in a few weeks.
The reigning champion, who lifted the glitterball trophy with Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, joins Strictly in 2022, and made it to the final that year with Fleur East.
Before Strictly, Vito appeared as a pro dancer on Italian Dancing with the Stars in 2021, winning the competition with singer Arisa.
She is also an 11-time Latin American Champion and three-time World Championship finalist, who started dancing at the age of six and has already won the national championship at the age of ten.
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Tonight she will swap the ballroom for the MasterChef kitchen, after revealing she often cooks for the Strictly professionals.
She said: ‘Since being in England I’ve tried to train and cook on my own. And sometimes I cook for other Strictly pros, I bring some desserts, some cakes, for them and I want advice!
‘The first person who told me to go on Celebrity MasterChef was Dianne (Buswell) and I remember last year, after the first episode, she sent me a story, and she gave me a shout and said: “Yes, I think you should do it!” ‘
Vito added: ‘My grandparents are the only two people in the family who know I’m going to do this, I promise I’m good on Celebrity MasterChef so they’ll let me cook for them, without them. watch me and give me tips, and just enjoy the food!’
While he’s on screen tonight, we’ve been checking out his personal and dating life – here’s everything you need to know.
Are Vito and Ellie dating?
Ahead of last year’s Strictly win, romance rumors were swirling around Ellie, 23, and Vito, but both men firmly denied.
The pair failed to immediately address speculation that they had fallen victim to the infamous Strictly curse during their time in the competition, although it has been made clear that they share a close relationship.
Ellie then said: ‘Honestly, we had the most amazing time dancing, and we built a strong bond and friendship that will last forever.’
Vito added: ‘I want to say that word, I love that word! We have a great bond. When you connect – I’m very “first impression” person, and when we met we had the feeling that we knew each other since we were born! I’m so happy to have you in my life!’
The previous year, sparks were rumored to have flown between Strictly finalist Helen Skelton (who was partnered with Gorka Marquez) and Vito, although this was never confirmed despite the pair reportedly ‘bonding’.
Does Vito have a wife or partner?
At the moment, it seems that Vito is single.
In a recent interview with OK! magazine, said: ‘At the moment, I, as Lady Gaga said, in love with art, with passion, with work.’
He continued: ‘I’ve been very lucky with my career. So now, it’s just me, me and me.’
How tall is Vito?
According to reports, Vito is 5’11 – which could hint at who he’ll be working with this year on Strictly.
Celebrity MasterChef airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 8pm.
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