Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left stunned when Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola became the fifth couple to exit the competition — but just days later, Ellie has broken her silence, and her latest update has reignited conversation among fans.
The joyful pair, affectionately dubbed the “Cheeky Team”, quickly became audience favourites thanks to their infectious energy, heartfelt performances, and unmistakable bond. So when their Strictly journey came to an abrupt end, many viewers were left asking: how did it end so soon?
Ellie, 23, and Vito gave it their all during the Halloween special, delivering a theatrical tango to Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra. The routine — complete with magic tricks and Vito emerging from a hat in a playful bunny costume — was packed with personality and charm. But despite the crowd-pleasing performance, the duo landed in their first-ever dance-off.
Facing actress Balvinder Sopal and professional partner Julian Caillon, Ellie and Vito fought to stay in the competition. After both couples performed again, the judges delivered a unanimous decision, saving Balvinder and Julian — and bringing Ellie and Vito’s Strictly journey to a close.
At the time, Vito spoke emotionally about his partnership with Ellie, praising her dedication and promising they would “keep dancing” beyond the show. And it seems he meant every word.
Just days after their exit, Ellie took to Instagram to share a heartwarming photo of the pair back in the rehearsal studio, smiling and high-fiving one another. Alongside it, she wrote: “What a great day spending it with my @vitocoppola. Never stop dancing!”
Vito was quick to respond, resharing the post with a touching message of his own: “Your big brother loves you so much,” accompanied by a heart emoji — a simple line that sent fans into a frenzy of speculation and affection.
The pair were later spotted enjoying a relaxed lunch together, further proving that their connection hasn’t faded with the end of the competition. Ellie shared a cosy snap of them smiling over their meals, captioned: “Cheeky @nandosuk for the Cheeky Team.”
Once again, Vito reposted the moment, adding: “Your big brother is always by your side. Let’s have a cheeky lunch.”
While rumours have swirled online about whether there’s “more to the story” behind their exit, Ellie’s posts suggest something far more uplifting: a genuine friendship that continues to thrive beyond the ballroom.
For fans, it’s a comforting reminder that Strictly isn’t just about trophies and scores. Sometimes, the most meaningful partnerships are the ones that last long after the final dance.
And if Ellie’s quiet message is anything to go by, this may not be the last we see of the Cheeky Team dancing together — on or off the Strictly floor. 💃✨
