Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola has revealed he experienced a “crippling” and “potentially life-threatening” eating disorder in his early career.

While promoting his new food memoir Love, Vito, the Italian professional dancer said that he struggled with body image while competing in dance competitions, where his physical appearance was repeatedly judged.

Coppola said that he was bulimic for a period, explaining: “I did it for a few months but felt very ashamed. It was a betrayal of my values – I was wasting food. I felt not clean and I didn’t have much love for myself. I felt guilty because my family were so worried about me but they didn’t know what was really going on. They didn’t know I had a problem.”

He said that his disorder reached its peak when he collapsed during a dance competition. “I fainted during the jive because I had no energy,” he told The Sun. “You push yourself but being strong means stepping away from a situation that is toxic and is damaging you. I’ve never gone back.”

Coppola has been a professional dancer on Strictly since 2022, where he’s been paired with pop star and radio presenter Fleur East, Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and model Ellie Goldstein.

He will return to the dancefloor for Strictly’s 24th series, which launches in September. And that’s despite a number of professional dancers being axed from the show. Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas are all confirmed to not be returning for Strictly.

Despite backlash from some fans, former Strictly professional James Jordan this week suggested the cull was “needed”, insisting that the show is merely “getting rid of dead wood”.

The axing of several dancers comes alongside the departure of long-time presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe now signed up to replace them.

Last week it was also announced that former contestant Ellie Taylor will succeed the outgoing Fleur East and Janette Manrara as the host of Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two. She explained on Emma Willis’s BBC Radio 2 show that she was “thrilled” to re-join the Strictly universe, and described some of the changes being made to the show once it returns.

She said It Takes Two will still be “the show that everyone knows and loves but refreshed for 2026”, adding: “We’re gonna be talking to couples but also groups of celeb [contestants] and groups of pros away from their dance partners, for slightly more candid conversation.”

Speaking to The Independent this week, professional dancer Amy Dowden addressed the many changes to the show and cast exits, explaining: “Obviously, I know for a lot of them it was their own decision and it was time for them to take on new challenges. But once you’re part of the Strictly family, you’re always part of the family.”

The new series of Strictly will see celebrities including Delta Goodrem, Dani Dyer, Graeme Hall, Tabby Stoecker and John Nellis take to the dancefloor. The full list of stars can be found here.

Speaking to The Independent this month, Goodrem said she had one simple request for her professional dance partner, who has yet to be confirmed – that he be taller than her.

For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article, eating disorder charity Beat’s helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040