Vito Coppola shares tactic he'd use as a judge on BBC Strictly as dancer opens up on future

Olivia Gantzer
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:29:28 +0000

Vito Coppola has revealed he would be open to taking on a judging role on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in the future, potentially following the same trajectory as Anton Du Beke - and came up with a unique tactic he'd use.

Speaking exclusively to GB News, the Italian professional dancer described himself as someone who rarely turns down opportunities.

"I am a yes person," Mr Coppola explained, adding: "I am not the kind of person who says no straight away, I don't close any door, any window, to anything."

The dancer acknowledged that becoming a judge might mean less time on the dance floor, though he suggested he could still perform off stage.

After four series on the BBC show, Mr Coppola confirmed he would accept such an offer if it came his way.

However, he made clear that his approach to judging would differ significantly from his fellow panellists.

"I would say yes. I mean, I would be probably the softest judge. I would give 10s to everyone.

"I mean, I'm not like Craig [Revel Horwood], I could not give zeros to people.

"It's just against my nature, I want to see people happy, you know.

"So probably the other judges would not agree with me, but I'm sure all the celebrities and all the other dancers would would love to feel a bit of love, because I always want to spread love.

"Everyone who knows me knows that I'm big promoter of love."

Coming up with a tactic he'd use, he added: "So, yeah, I would be, I think, very nice and polite and respectful - not that the others aren't!

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"But you know, I'd be the kind of judge where, even if you did something I didn't like, I would say, 'your dance was beautiful, but I think if you could turn your feet a bit more outside for next week, I'm going to bring you a tiramisu,' and I promise they are going to turn next week because of the motivation, you know, I'd say, 'I'm going to bring your pizza next week.'"

Despite his years on the programme, Mr Coppola insisted his passion for Strictly remains as strong as ever.

The dancer likened himself to an "excited puppy" with high energy, treating each series as though it were his first.

"I love to enjoy and to appreciate every single year, every single moment, as if it's the first time again," he explained.

The dancer's comments came as he partnered with Domino's to launch their new Italianos range, delivering pizzas aboard a gondola-style vessel dubbed the "Domdola" through London's Little Venice.

"As an Italian, I take my pizza very seriously," he shared.

"So, if you're going to bring a slice of Italy to the UK, you have to do it properly."

The professional has also recently released a food-focused book titled Love Vito, reflecting his belief that cuisine has shaped his entire life.

His philosophy stems from family wisdom, with Mr Coppola recalling how his grandfather, also named Vito, attributed his happiness to two things: food and dancing.