Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'fancying' partner after seeing 'lots of groin and thigh'

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Sarah Hadland has been paired up with professional dancer Vito Coppola on the latest series of the BBC show, which continues this weekend

Actor Sarah Hadland has addressed the prospect of a romance with her Strictly Come Dancing dance partner Vito Coppola.

Sarah, 53, has been partnered with reigning champion Vito, 32, for the latest series of the BBC show. Their first routine - which included a nod to her role on the sitcom Miranda - impressed the judges last weekend and following their quickstep, they're due to perform a paso doble on Saturday.

Ahead of their performance in the second live show, Sarah has shared her thoughts on being partnered with Vito - who won last year with Coronation Street star Ellie Leach. She also gave an update on this week's rehearsals for Strictly.

She shared in an interview with the Sun that she "fancied" her dance partner Vito. Sarah however dismissed the idea of playing into the show's so-called 'curse,' saying: "I haven't got energy for both, I'll be honest - I can either do the dance or have an affair, but I can't do both." She went on to tease that she's now already "committed" to the dance.

Discussing their latest routine, Sarah described their paso doble as "very serious and sensual," before admitting that she had been "very giggly" when she began the rehearsals for it. She said: "There's a lot of groin to thigh, and I have to look deep into his eyes - which make it ten times worse."

Opening up about the experience, Sarah said that actors sometimes get "very close" to other people through their work but it's "another level" on Strictly. She commented that the couples have to be "so close" on the show.

Sarah teased that it's "not difficult" though, before sharing that she's been a "superfan" of the long-running dance contest since it began in 2004. She described the show as "incredible" and said being paired with Vito is the "cherry on the cake". She shared during the interview that he's "pushing" her in a "really positive, wonderful way" in rehearsals, adding that when she has moments of doubt Vito shares his belief in her. Sarah said that they are "similar" and "very high-energy".

And commenting on her approach to their routines, Sarah - who's known for her comedy work - teased that she's "muscling in" on comedian Chris McCausland's "funny things". She teased that she's "representing the funny women".

Sarah and Vito were joint second on the leaderboard last week with their quickstep to Dolly Parton's 9 To 5. They received a score of 30 from the judges, matching the score given to Love Island finalist Tasha Ghouri and her dance partner Aljaž Škorjanec. JLS member JB Gill and his partner Amy Dowden topped the leaderboard with a score of 31.

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