STRICTLY DANCER VITO COPPOLA REVEALS BULIMIA BATTLE AND STAGE COLLAPSE

Vito Coppola, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has disclosed that he experienced bulimia during his early career. Coppola said the eating disorder was "crippling" and "potentially life-threatening", and that he struggled with body image whilst competing in dance competitions where his physical appearance was repeatedly assessed. He explained that he was bulimic for a period of several months, describing feelings of shame and guilt about wasting food. Coppola stated that the disorder peaked when he collapsed during a dance competition, saying he fainted whilst performing the jive due to lack of energy.

Coppola has worked as a professional dancer on Strictly since 2022, partnered with various celebrities including pop star and radio presenter Fleur East, Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and model Ellie Goldstein. He will continue in the role for Strictly's 24th series, scheduled to launch in September. His disclosure comes as the show undergoes significant personnel changes, with five professional dancers — Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas — confirmed to not be returning. Additionally, long-time presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are departing, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe signed to replace them.

Coppola made his remarks whilst promoting a new food memoir titled Love, Vito. He stated that recognising a toxic situation and stepping away from it constituted genuine strength, and said he has not returned to the behaviours associated with his disorder. His account represents one of several public disclosures by Strictly professionals regarding mental health and wellbeing.