Helen Skelton and Strictly’s Vito Coppola ‘enjoy casual dates’

Helen Skelton and Vito Coppola have reportedly been enjoying some low-key dates together after growing close on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.

Television presenter Helen, 39, was partnered with professional dancer Gorka Marquez, 32, on the last series of the show but it is now claimed Helen and Italian Vito’s friendship has blossomed.

Countryfile host Helen and twinkle-toed hunk Vito, 30, are said to have ‘bonded’ as they travelled on the tour bus between cities.

Screen star Helen has been single since she split from her rugby player ex-husband Richie Myler, 32, shortly before the start of Strictly last year, with the sportsman leaving the family home not long after they welcomed their third child.

Vito is said to have caught the attention of a number of stars behind the scenes on the tour.

Getting to know one another? Helen Skelton, 39, and Vito Coppola, 30, have reportedly been enjoying some low-key dates together after growing close on the Strictly Come Dancing tour

Good pals? It is claimed Helen and Italian Vito’s friendship blossomed as they shared time together while travelling between UK cities on the Strictly Come Dancing tour

A source told the Mirror: ‘Helen and Vito were good friends during Strictly, but really bonded on tour.

‘There were two buses for the cast – the party bus and the quiet bus.

‘They spent a lot of time chatting on the quiet bus and getting to know each other. They have a lot in common – a love of the outdoors, for example.

‘Between shows they also spent time together one-on-one, like going for coffee, just the two of them.

‘Then, if the whole group went for dinner, they would sit together, deep in conversation.’

The source added that Helen was keen to stay away from Vito if people pulled out their phones as she did not want to be seen in the background near the dancer if a picture or video was taken. 

MailOnline has contacted Vito and a representative for Helen for comment.

Helen danced with Kai Widdrington on the Strictly tour as Gorka, who she made it to the final of the last series with, was booked up with other work commitments. 

Attraction: Vito is said to have caught the attention of a number of stars behind the scenes on the tour

It comes after Helen spoke of how Strictly built her confidence back up after the devastating breakdown of her marriage last year.

She formally announced her split from Richie Myler last April after eights years of marriage.

Appearing on Loose Women last month, Helen reflected on her journey on the show and how dance partner Gorka Marquez helped make her remember ‘who I am’.

‘In the first few weeks I didn’t know how to own it and be sexy and sassy but then it got easier,’ she said.

‘Then I stopped questioning it and I just stopped caring less. I was conscious it would be over in the blink of an eye so I just gave it my all.’

Helen went on to talk about her racy cabaret routine where she dressed up in black lingerie and stockings – with many fans going on to call it the ultimate ‘revenge’ dance.

She said: ‘The cabaret routine was about being fierce and powerful and that’s my version of sexy.

‘It made me remember who I am this show. By the end I wasn’t thinking “oh my god” I just wanted to have a good time.’

Partnership: Helen was partnered with professional dancer Gorka Marquez, 32 (right), on the last series of the show but she did not dance with him on the tour

Born to perform: Vito danced with former X Factor winner Fleur East during last year’s series of Strictly 

Elsewhere in the interview, Helen talked about juggling motherhood as she toured the country with the rest of the Strictly cast.

Helen shares Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and baby Elsie, 14 months, with ex Richie, who is expecting his first child with girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32.

‘It’s been a juggle with tour and the school run. I take them to voiceovers we do stuff all together. Me and Gorka both knew we had kids so it worked to juggle it all,’ she said.

‘Outwardly Gorka is macho but under it he was so sensitive, he always tried to make me look good he doesn’t get enough credit. I have a great friend in Kai and Gorka.’

Split: Helen formally announced her split from Richie Myler (pictured) last April after eights years of marriage

Helen Skelton and Strictly’s Vito Coppola ‘enjoy casual dates’
Source: Viral Buzz Philippines