Vito Coppola has shared his excitement about returning home to Italy, following a whirlwind of awards, recognition, and fan adoration in the UK. The professional dancer, who has been a fixture on the BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing since 2022, recently added another accolade to his growing list of achievements.
Vito, who lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy in 2023, was recently honored at the UK Italian Awards, where he received the Outstanding Achievement Award. The ceremony, hosted at the prestigious Grosvenor Square hotel in Mayfair, celebrates excellence across the UK’s Italian community, highlighting the best in cuisine, drinks, and hospitality, including chefs, restaurant owners, and suppliers. While Vito’s recognition comes from the world of dance rather than gastronomy, his Italian heritage and dedication to representing his country abroad made him a natural candidate for the award.
In a video captured at the event, Vito could be seen brimming with excitement and humility as he discussed the honor. “Honestly, I’m so excited. I’m going to pinch myself that this is true,” he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I came here to support this amazing event and these amazing awards with all these beautiful people, and to be one of those receiving an award is such a pleasure, an honor.” The dancer went on to explain that every accolade he receives is dedicated to his family, saying, “As I always do, when I get some reward, or trophy, or medal, I bring everything to Italy to my family because they’re the people I dedicated everything to.”
Vito’s Instagram posts following the awards captured both the glamour of the evening and his gratitude. Sharing a series of photographs from the event, he wrote: “Thank you so much. I am very grateful and honoured to have received this beautiful award. Proud and proud to be Italian. Equally grateful to the UK for awarding me. As always, I try to represent Italy in the best way possible. Thank you @italian_awards for your invitation. Always with Love, Vito.” The post showcased Vito in a sharply tailored suit, smiling alongside other award recipients, and radiating a sense of pride in his heritage.
The reactions from both fans and fellow celebrities were immediate and effusive. His most recent Strictly partner, Ellie Goldstein, wrote in the comments: “You deserve everything. Well done my brother.” Fleur East, another of his celebrity dance partners, chimed in: “Wooo!! Always winning.” Fans flooded the post with messages of congratulations and admiration. User @stuartomcardle99 wrote: “Huge congratulations! Truly deserved!” while @nancy.lock.5 commented: “Well done, Vito. Congratulations. You are a beautiful person.” Other fans echoed similar sentiments, with @steph_832 adding, “Congratulations Vito! So well deserved! Proud of you,” and @woody16668 noting, “Absolutely glorious & so well deserved. You deserve absolutely everything coming your way. Have a lovely Easter break.”
Despite his busy schedule, Vito has confirmed that he is now returning to Italy to spend quality time with his family over the Easter holiday. Sharing a photo of himself on a plane, he told followers on his Instagram Story: “Finally flying home. Cannot wait to see my family. I’m vlogging everything about my Easter Italian holidays. Make sure you follow up.” His fans can anticipate an intimate look at his celebrations, family moments, and perhaps even glimpses of Italian traditions through Vito’s eyes.
Vito’s announcement comes after another remarkable year on Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining the show in 2022, he has become known not only for his technical brilliance on the dance floor but also for his charismatic presence and ability to connect with both celebrity partners and audiences alike. His 2023 Glitterball victory marked a career milestone, cementing his status as one of the show’s standout professional dancers. Over the past three years, Vito has built a reputation for meticulous preparation, dedication to his craft, and the warmth with which he interacts with colleagues and fans, qualities that undoubtedly contributed to his recognition at the UK Italian Awards.
While the UK has become something of a second home for Vito, his ties to Italy remain strong. Born and raised in Southern Italy, he has frequently spoken about the importance of family, tradition, and heritage. For him, awards and accolades are not just personal achievements—they are a way of honoring the culture and community that shaped him. “Everything I do, I dedicate to my roots and my family,” he has said in previous interviews. “Italy is where my heart is, and no matter where my career takes me, I always bring a piece of home with me.”
The UK Italian Awards, now in its annual iteration, celebrates excellence across multiple sectors and has become a fixture in the British Italian calendar. Past recipients have included renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs, making Vito’s recognition as a dancer particularly noteworthy. His award is not just a nod to his success in the entertainment industry but also an acknowledgment of his role as an ambassador of Italian culture in the UK. By showcasing his talent, humility, and passion for his craft, Vito embodies the spirit of the awards themselves.
Fans and colleagues alike have noted that Vito’s win comes at a moment when he has been balancing intense professional commitments with personal milestones. In addition to his continued appearances on Strictly, he has been involved in charity events, masterclasses, and public appearances, all while maintaining close connections to his family in Italy. His ability to manage such a busy schedule while staying grounded has only enhanced his reputation as one of the most admirable figures in the dance community.
Looking ahead, Vito has promised to document his upcoming Easter holiday in Italy, giving followers an insider look at how he celebrates with loved ones. With vlogs expected to feature traditional meals, family gatherings, and glimpses of Italian landscapes, fans will get a sense of the dancer beyond the stage, highlighting the personal side of a professional whose life has often seemed larger than life on television.
In sharing both the triumphs of his professional life and the joys of reconnecting with family, Vito Coppola exemplifies a balance that many strive for but few achieve. From Glitterball trophies to Outstanding Achievement awards, and from London stages to Italian family homes, his journey reflects both dedication to craft and devotion to heritage. Fans watching his vlogs and social media updates can anticipate a blend of celebration, cultural pride, and personal storytelling—qualities that make Vito not only a remarkable dancer but a relatable, inspiring figure to audiences on both sides of the English Channel.
