Vito Coppola makes feelings clear on axed BBC Strictly professional amid Zara McDermott scandal: ‘I love you’
Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola has publicly shown support for former professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, who was axed from the BBC show earlier this year.
The Italian dancers were spotted catching up over coffee in December, with Coppola sharing a selfie of the pair on his Instagram Stories.
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.”
The public display of support marks one of the first times a current Strictly professional has openly backed Di Prima since his departure from the show.
Di Prima was dismissed from Strictly during the summer following an investigation into the conduct of professional dancers on the show.
The former pro dancer admitted to kicking his 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott during their time working together on the programme.
Production staff had initially raised concerns about Di Prima’s conduct last year, with bosses initially only issuing quiet warnings.
It wasn’t until staff obtained video evidence allegedly showing Di Prima repeatedly hitting McDermott – nine months after their initial complaint – that he was fired.
Following his exit, Di Prima expressed regret on Instagram, stating: “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.”
After months away from the spotlight, Di Prima has begun making his return to public life.
The dancer recently starred in Netflix’s “A Paris Christmas Waltz” alongside Matthew Morrison and Jen Lilley.
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.
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.”
The former Strictly pro also promised to share new projects with his fans soon.
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Di Prima has recently returned to the UK after spending time in Italy with his wife Giada, who works as a professional dancer on the Italian version of Strictly.
The couple was spotted in London at the beginning of December, making their way to a dance studio while smiling for photographers.
Elsewhere, Coppola found success in this year’s Strictly, dancing with celeb partner Miranda star Sarah Hadland to the grande finale.
He was also named champion of 2024’s Celebrity MasterChef, in one of the last series’s featuring embattled former host and judge Gregg Wallace.