Strictly’s Vito Coppola Melts Hearts with Sweet Gesture Toward Ellie Goldstein After Emotional Salsa
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left teary-eyed this weekend after spotting an adorable moment between professional dancer Vito Coppola and his partner Ellie Goldstein following their dazzling salsa routine to a Spice Girls medley.
The pair took to the dance floor during Icons Week, with Ellie — a lifelong Spice Girls fan — transforming into Baby Spice for the high-energy performance. But it wasn’t just their moves that stole the spotlight … it was what happened afterward that had fans talking.
A Touching Moment Caught on Camera
As the duo stood before the judges awaiting feedback, viewers noticed a touching moment between the Italian dancer and his celebrity partner.
Vito could be seen embracing Ellie and gently wiping away a tear from her cheek, clearly moved by her emotional reaction to the performance. The heartwarming exchange was quickly noticed by fans online, who flooded social media with praise for the pair’s bond and authenticity.
“Vito checking on Ellie and dabbing away a tear. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing,” one viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added, “Vito’s pride for Ellie is so sweet and endearing. #Strictly,” while a third praised, “Vito deserves a lot of praise for how beautifully he’s taught Ellie to dance.”
The moment captured exactly what fans love most about Strictly — genuine emotion, connection, and joy that transcends the competition itself.
A Special Surprise from a Spice Girl
Following their performance and the judges’ comments, Ellie received a surprise that left her completely stunned — a video message from Emma Bunton, the real Baby Spice herself!
Emma congratulated Ellie on her routine, calling her “my favorite contestant” and saying how thrilled she was to see Ellie channel her iconic 90s look on the dance floor.
Ellie’s reaction was priceless — part shock, part pure happiness — while Vito beamed proudly beside her.
Scores and Reactions
The duo’s lively salsa earned them a total of 28 points, with Motsi Mabuse awarding an impressive 8, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke each giving 7, and Craig Revel Horwood scoring 6.
Despite not topping the leaderboard, the emotional connection between Vito and Ellie stole the show, with many fans calling it the most touching moment of the night.
More Highlights from Icons Week
Elsewhere on the episode, Alex Kingston wowed viewers by channeling Dolly Parton in an uplifting Foxtrot routine with Johannes Radebe. Motsi praised her performance, saying, “You look like you’re floating on air. You did have a little hiccup, but you kept it going beautifully!”
Alex later admitted that she spends “half the week thinking I’ll hate it, and halfway through, I realize I love it!” She also revealed that Dolly herself sent her a personal message during rehearsals, which made her week even more special.
The pair earned a strong 32 points, with Anton awarding them an impressive 9.
Tess and Claudia Announce Exit Plans
At the start of the show, long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman briefly addressed their decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the season.
“We want to thank you for your beautiful messages,” Claudia said emotionally. “We’ve got another eight weeks on this incredible show.”
Tess added, “We cannot wait to spend the rest of the season with you, with our amazing couples, and of course, with these wonderful judges.”
Their announcement marked a bittersweet moment for fans who’ve watched the duo front the show for years.
A Night of Emotion and Connection
From Ellie’s heartfelt tear to Alex’s Dolly-inspired joy, Strictly Come Dancing’s Icons Week was filled with passion, nostalgia, and deeply human moments.
But for many fans, it was Vito Coppola’s quiet gesture of kindness that defined the night — a reminder that behind every routine, there’s real emotion, friendship, and love for the dance.
