"Couldn't really concentrate": Strictly Come Dancing viewers left "distracted" by Vito Coppola

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were raving about the opening routine of Saturday's (10 October) live show, but that wasn't entirely down to the dancing. As Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola performed their Samba, they were all taking about one thing.

Dancing to Gipsy Kings' 'Bamboléo', the popular couple were dressed in matching red for the energetic number. Vito, however, had his shirt wide open - and it certainly got fans excited on social media.

"Couldn't really concentrate on the dance, it's not my fault Vito distracted me…" admitted one viewer on X as they shared a blushing emoji, while somebody else quipped: "Not now darling, mummy's watching Vito on Strictly."

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A third viewer was even prepared to base their score on the professional dancer's styling alone, never mind technique or choreography, declaring: "Vito with his chest out is a great start! 10!"

Even co-host Josh Widdicombe made a remark, telling them: "Lacey! You were nervous, you opened the show and people loved it! And Vito, you opened your shirt and the people near me loved it as well."

The four judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke - were not too distracted from the task at hand though, awarding the couple two sixes and two sevens for a respectable score of 26.

Lacey, best known for playing Stacey Slater on EastEnders, had previously admitted to feeling nervous about taking part in the competition, but appeared to put those nerves behind her as she tackled the energetic routine.

The actor was praised for throwing herself into the routine, with her opening performance quickly prompting viewers to tip her as one to watch. Some even thought that the couple could go all the way, even this early in the competition.

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"What a way to open the show! Vito brings the best out of Lacey, considering she is always nervous, she keeps bringing it!" noted one viewer, while another added: "Lacey and Vito finalists. I can't wait to see her gain even more confidence."

The third week of the competition sees the remaining 14 couples hoping to avoid the fate of Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden, with the pair being the first eliminated duo following last weekend's dance off.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

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