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Vito Coppola gave a heartwarming speech, calling Ellie Goldstein his little sister(Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left sobbing as Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola were eliminated from the competition on Sunday night – and noted it was a first for the pro dancer.

It is the first time that professional dancer Vito has been eliminated from the competition since joining the hit show in 2022.

He has only ever made it to the final of the show before, and took home the Glitterball trophy in 2023 with soap star Ellie Leach.

He finished second in 2022 with singer and radio presenter Fleur East, and was runner-up again in 2024 with actress Sarah Hadland.

Emotions were running high in the studio on Sunday night as the judges unanimously chose to save Balvinder Sopal over Ellie after a tense dance-off.

Host Tess Daly took a moment to praise the pair’s partnership, saying to Vito: “Everyone behind the scenes, everyone in front of the camera, everyone at home, can see what an incredible partnership you have had with Ellie and just how much it means to you.”

The Italian professional dancer then said to Ellie: “Honestly, there are no words I can use to describe how proud I am of you and you did really change my life so much.

“You made me such a better person. At the beginning of this year, I said to myself, ‘Please, please, please can you send me a beautiful angel into my life?’ And now you arrived.

“I’ve never had a little sister but I always wanted one. Now, I have you and you’re my little sister forever, and your big brother is always by your side.”

Ellie added: “I’ve enjoyed it so much [dancing with Vito]! He is a kind person and all I wanted from day one. You have been so heartwarming, thank you to you [Vito].”

Vito then concluded by saying to Ellie that they will continue to dance together despite being eliminated.

Fans were sobbing as they called Vito a ‘gentleman’. X user @OrganicAlley wrote: “Parents, bring your sons up to be more like Vito. What a gentleman. #strictly Thank you, Ellie. You didn’t put a foot wrong. I’ve been blown away by your dancing. Be proud.”

@bethhhh2000 commented: “this being the first time vito has ever been eliminated since joining the show in 2022 is crazy but he should be really proud he was a great partner to ellie #Strictly

@mandaj2022 echoed: “Oh Vito what a beautiful human being you are,” and @chigworld added: “The relationship between Vito & Ellie is one of the most heartwarming things ever seen on TV. Vito is a beautiful man, inside and out. I will miss being entertained by this wonderful pair. #Strictly.”

@_erinz_ added: “While Vito has won and been at least in the final every year, his partnership with Ellie feels undoubtedly his most special. They’ve been a total joy to watch dance, but it’s their gorgeous bond that I will miss seeing every week. Absolutely adore Team Cheeky #Strictly.”