BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola declares love to co-star straight after final as he 'cries so much'

Vito Coppola was quick to declare his love straight after the Strictly Come Dancing final to his co-stars as he was left in tears. The professional dancer competed in the final of the hit dance show's 2024 series with Sarah Hadland.

On Saturday night (December 14), the pair took to the ballroom floor for the last time with three dances each that they hoped would impress enough for them to be crowned the BBC One dance contest's champions this year.

However, despite their best efforts, Sarah and Vito were beaten to the title by Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell who triumphantly lifted the Glitterball trophy in emotional scenes.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'shouldn't be allowed' in Chris McCausland and Tasha Ghouri's final complaint

After Tess Daly announced them as this year's winners of the BBC One dance contest, Chris said it was "astonishing” to win. He cried and hugged his partner Dianne after the title was announced, with them both appearing to be in disbelief.

The 47-year-old, who has made history as Strictly's first blind winner, said: "It’s astonishing. It’s – you know. I don’t know what to say. I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two and I know no-one went out in the first week but I still thought I could."

Chris then said "anything can happen" with "support and determination" after he became the first blind contestant to win Strictly. He thanked his partner Dianne and said: “She deserves this so much. She’s just honestly one of the easiest people to be funny with the other and unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me."

When the cameras stopped rolling and the stars got to celebrate another incredible Strictly series, Vito was among the show's stars taken to social media to react to the udpates on Strictly's official accounts that confirmed Chris and Dianne's in. In response to one he wrote: "We love youuuuu."

The Italian pro, who is hitting the road with Dianne next year in their own joint tour, then posted in another comments section: "Guys you made me cry soooo much tonight and I love you so so much. Yessssss. Super congratulations." Vito added: "Auguri di cuoreeeeeeee," which is though to translate to English as: "Best wishes from the bottom of my heart."