Helen Skelton shuts down Strictly Come Dancing dating rumours with Vito Coppola
The presenter was coupled up with dancer Gorka Marquez in the 2022 instalment of the competition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Helen Skelton has addressed rumours that she is dating dancer Vito Coppola.
The TV personality, 39, who started her presenting career on Blue Peter, was a finalist in 2022’s instalment of Strictly Come Dancing.
During her BBC Radio 5 Live show on Sunday (5 March), Skelton was teased about the news stories about the rumours.
A newsreader, named Steve, appeared on the show and quipped to the star: “Just looking at the papers... er, the front page of The Mirror is interesting”.
Skelton, who laughed at the joke, thanked him for appearing on the show, and added: “Put the papers down, thank you”.
This was in reference to a report published inThe Daily Mirror that alleged that Coppola and Skelton had grown “close” on the Strictly Come Dancing tour bus.
During her stint on the BBC dancing competition, the Countryfile host was paired up with professional Gorka Marquez, while Coppola competed with radio presenter and musician Fleur East.
It comes as Strictly stars have a long history of forming relationships after competing closely together, like the presenter Stacey Dooley and professional dancer Kevin Clifton, who are expecting a child together.
Skelton announced that she and her then-husband Ritchie Myler were getting a divorce in April last year.
“Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.”
Their youngest child, Elsie, was just four months old at the time. They also share Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.
Since the split, Skelton and the children have moved from Leeds to her parent’s farm in Cumbria.
The Independent has contacted representatives of Skelton for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments