BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola issues heartbreaking statement as he confirms death of 'good' friend

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Vito Coppola has issued a heartbreaking tribute to a 'good' friend and 'amazing' dancer. The Strictly Come Dancing star shared the sad news to fans after he had planned to speak with them on an Instagram Live.

On Thursday night (February 13), Vito was preparing to chat with his loyal following ahead of his special Valentine's Day dance class with Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas which will see them joined by special guests Sarah Hadland, Carlos Gu and Montell Douglas.

But sharing a video to his Instagram Story, the Italian dancer explained he was no longer able to carry out the Instagram Live and explained how he'd been informed of a tragic loss.

He said: "Hello everyone. As you know, I was planning to do the live on Instagram tonight but unfortunately I'm not really able to do it because I've just lost a good, good , good friend of mine and an amazing, fantastic dancer in Italy and I just need a bit of time to just collect myself and be ready to be able to restart from tomorrow. "But tonight, I'd just like to dedicate all my thoughts, all my prayers and all my love to this amazing, wonderful person and friend of mine." He added: "I hope you understand, I hope you don't mind.