STRICTLY’S Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have a ‘real connection’ on and off the show amid romance rumours.
The couple set tongues wagging weeks ago thanks to their chemistry on the dance floor and their cosy displays off camera too.
This week, Ellie, 22, and Vito, 31, were pictured arm in arm on the promenade in Blackpool ahead of this weekend’s live show from the Northern seaside town.
They are set to dance a Charleston to Love Machine by Girls Aloud, a stark contrast to their romantic rumba last week.
Now a body language expert Darren Stanton said on behalf of Betfair Casino: “Ellie and Vito are clear favourites in the competition, and I think that’s down to them having a journey.
“They’ve had good weeks, and bad weeks, so for them to take feedback on board and really work as a team, is showing the public they have a real connection.
“Ellie has gone from strength to strength in terms of her confidence on the show. Her relationship with Vito is incredibly strong.
“There was a lot of visual chemistry and it was a powerful performance from them. I can see a reciprocated energy between them.
“It’s no surprise to see this from them as they never shy away from being tactile with one another – even in interviews and off the show.”
He added: “They have a strong trust between them and what they’ve been through together in the competition has made them even stronger.
“I can see them making the semi-final if they continue the way they’re heading.”
Meanwhile Vito recently revealed he will be emotional when he takes to the legendary Tower Ballroom floor this evening for Strictly.
He told the Blackpool Gazette that he told Ellie: “When you get there, it’s like you smell the Blackpool vibe. You know how many champions have stepped on that dance floor and danced before us.
“You will actually step… where other champions have put their foot before and it just feels magical, you will feel, as you say in the North, buzzing.
“When I dance in Blackpool, I always get emotional – you will have tears for sure.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 6.40pm on BBC One.
