Strictly’s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola ‘have been seeing each other for a month’ after sparking romance rumors with steamy performances

Strictly Come Dancing stars Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been seeing each other for more than a month, it is claimed.

The couple have been in the spotlight after they were accused of faking their romance to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.

Things between the Coronation Street actress, 22, and the Italian professional dancer, 31, are ‘real’ – source told The mirror.

The couple seemed happier than ever on Saturday evening as they danced the quickstep to Beauty And The Beast’s Belle.

Vito has reportedly visited the actress’ home several times outside of training, while Ellie has confided in friends about her new relationship with the dance professional.

‘Initially they were friendly, but as the weeks went by their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,” the friend said.

“She’s not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a show is not her style – what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and insecure. Now she radiates self-confidence, and that’s wonderful.’

A second source explained how the duo’s growing bond was evident not only backstage, but also while promoting the show together.

They said: ‘Ellie and Vito have become so close that they are often seen over each other, and the chemistry is striking. The rumor that they are more than friends is not openly discussed, but it is widely understood.”

Fueling further speculation, Ellie called Vito “wild” during an appearance on It Takes Two earlier last week, crediting him for her “newfound” confidence.

Yet the Corrie sensation brushed aside any questions about romance when she said: ‘There’s always speculation. To be honest, we’re so busy dancing.” Spokespeople for Ellie, Vito and Strictly declined to comment.

Saturday was a dramatic episode after it was previously announced that Nigel Harman had been forced to leave the show due to an injury suffered during rehearsals for his Charleston.

Still, fans were left outraged by one couple’s scores, claiming Ellie and Vito had been spotlighted again.

Despite being at the top of the leaderboard for several weeks, the pair are still yet to achieve a perfect 40 as judge Craig Revel Horwood has refused to use his 10 paddle for them.

They once again failed to score a perfect 40 as they received four nines from the judges, putting them in second place on the leaderboard with 36.

And loyal fans took to Twitter to share their anger at the soap star’s scores.

One wrote: ‘I’m sick of Ellie and Vito not making it to 40!’

A second asked: “So all three judges have nothing bad to say but give Ellie and Vito a 9!? When will they get the 40 they deserve.”

Meanwhile, presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman said they were ‘devastated’ as they spoke about Nigel’s shock departure from the show.

They announced that there would be no public voting or elimination this week, but the judges would still give their comments and marks.

Claudia said: ‘We only have four couples. Unfortunately, Nigel has suffered an injury and has had to withdraw from the competition.’

Tess continued: ‘We are as devastated as he is, but Nigel and Katya will talk to us later in the show.

“That means there will be no public vote tonight and no elimination, except for the judges will still score and those scores will carry over. You can vote as usual next week.’

Nigel quit Strictly Come Dancing just hours before Saturday night’s live show after suffering an injury.