ELLIE Leach started crying in the dance studio as she spoke about her final Paso Doble ahead of performing with Vito Coppola in tonight’s show.
The Coronation Street star became the youngest ever contestant to take home the Glitterball last year.
Tonight she returned to the stage with her partner Vito to perform one of their most iconic dances.
When they initially danced the Paso Doble on week five of the show in 2023, the pair got a perfect score from Motsi Mabuse, who branded it the ‘best’ performance of the season at that point.
The actress became emotional when she spoke about what it has meant for her to recreate that moment.
In a piece to camera, she shared: “I am glad we’re doing the Paso Doble as the final dance. Everything about this dance just came together so perfectly.”
Then her voice broke as she added: “Getting emotional now. I honestly didn’t expect this to have such an effect on me personally.”
Ellie could be seen wiping away tears after reflecting on her Strictly journey.
When she won the dance competition in 2023, the shocked star told hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly: “I actually genuinely cannot believe this.”
A tearful Vito paid tribute to all the work she put in to achieve the top spot, saying: “I mean this is like the cherry on the cake, all the bruises and blisters, you have been so amazing, you are Strictly.
“You represent Strictly. You are the diamond, you are shining.”
Fans flocked to X tonight to share their thoughts on Ellie and Vito’s performance tonight.
One person gushed: “Ellie and Vito’s Paso Dablo was one of the finest, perfectionist and absolutely fab-u-lous dances I’ve ever watched on Strictly.
“90 seconds of pure drama, tense and absolute storytelling. Glad they were the 2023 champions.”
Another added: “It was so lovely to see Ellie and Vito back on the dance floor together again. That Paso was and still is spectacular. Love their friendship.”
