Strictly winner Vito Coppola crowned Celebrity MasterChef champion

Italian dancer Vito Coppola has claimed the title of 2024 Celebrity MasterChef champion.

He achieved this victory just under a year after he and his famous partner Ellie Leach won the glitterball trophy on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.

The 31-year-old triumphed over Irish television and radio host Craig Doyle, as well as Line Of Duty actress Rochenda Sandall.

Coppola took over the cooking show by preparing a delicious Italian seafood pasta called scialatielli allo scoglio, along with a dessert called Baba Di Vito. This delightful little cake is soaked in rum and paired with zabaione, a creamy blend of marsala wine, and cherries in syrup.

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, the champions of Strictly in 2023. (Jacob King/PA)

"I can hardly believe my eyes! Just look at that trophy; it's absolutely stunning," he exclaimed.

Many believe that food is simply sustenance, but to me, it’s so much more—it's life itself. Food is my ultimate passion, my first love, and I’m eager to share this joy with my family.

After his victory, he called his grandfather and exclaimed in Italian: "Grandpa, I did it! I won using your recipes. I came in first place, I love you!"

MasterChef judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode commended the unique dishes he crafted, leading him to be the 19th winner of the celebrity trophy.

Torode mentioned, “Vito entered this competition with a mission; he aimed to present his life through his cooking.”

"He shares his favorite childhood foods and the reasons behind his passion for them, which in turn has made us appreciate them as well. That’s the essence of great food."

Wallace remarked, "He has a deep passion for creativity. He truly stands out."

Past winners include opera vocalist Wynne Evans, who is competing this season on Strictly, Ade Edmondson from Bottom, and Nadia Sawalha from Loose Women.

When discussing his menu, Coppola shared, "There was a day when my family and I visited Positano, and we enjoyed some scialatielli allo scoglio right by the sea. It was one of the most incredible days of my life, and I want to recreate that experience on MasterChef."

“The dessert is Baba, reminiscent of what my mom and grandma used to whip up for me on Sundays.”

Coppola is teaming up with Sarah Hadland, known for her role in Miranda, for the 2024 season of Strictly.

The duo will take the stage for their live performance on Saturday, showcasing their Quickstep routine set to Dolly Parton's "9 To 5."