Vito Coppola talks new era of Strictly Come Dancing as new pros and hosts join the show

Vito Coppola has expressed his joy at the new era of Strictly Come Dancing, following a major revamp for the beloved BBC programme.

Ever since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they'd be stepping down as hosts, the show has undergone a massive shake-up, including three new hosts in the form of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.

But that isn't all, as five new professionals have joined the fold, following the departures of several long-time pros.

Coppola, who is partnered with Lacey Turner this year, told Radio Times it's "beautiful" to be back at Strictly, adding: "I'm always so excited to be back, and also with Strictly every year I say, 'Oh, this is the best season. I mean, it's hard to do better than this. And after the next year, it's gonna be even better'. And [then] they do something that smashes [it] even more."

He continued: "This year we have new pros. They are like five new brothers and sisters we have in the family and I love them. I say, like: 'Guys, whatever you need under my wings, I'm gonna protect you.'"

Earlier this year, Strictly confirmed that Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita would be joining the professionals line-up – and two of them have celebrity partners! Maddie and Mark have been paired with Cach Mercer and Tabby Stoecker, respectively.

Coppola added: "And with the hosts, I mean my lovely JoJo, I love him. I can't wait to see, of course, how he's gonna host, and also all his outfits. And Emma [Willis], I love Emma. I tried to persuade Emma. I said to Emma, 'Listen, sometimes maybe I need like a little snack, a little chocolate. Can you kind of pass me under the table or between one dance and another?' I'm still waiting for the answer, but you know I'm very perseverant.

"And Josh [Widdicombe], I mean, I just love Josh. I said to Josh, 'When I saw you last time, like a couple of years ago, you danced dressed as a penguin. So it's gonna be nice to see you actually hosting it.' But yeah, I mean, I'm loving [it]. I'm so excited, and even more now. Just cannot wait!"

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Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 26 September at 6:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Authors

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.