During the live finale of Strictly Come Dancing, professional dancer Vito Coppola found himself grappling with a rather embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. While performing the American Smooth with his partner Sarah Hadland, the 32-year-old dancer was faced with the unexpected challenge of holding up his trousers after the button seemingly popped open. This incident took place during the highly-anticipated grand finale aired on December 14, 2024, which garnered significant viewer attention and excitement.
The duo showcased their routine to Heather Small's classic hit, "Proud," but it was soon after their performance ended when Vito realized he had something more pressing to address. Upon reaching the side of the stage, host Tess Daly couldn't help but acknowledge the mishap, stating, "Are you okay, Vito? We have a wardrobe issue. Are you able to maintain your decency?" This light-hearted comment lightened the mood and reflected the jovial atmosphere of the evening.
Vito’s need to hold his trousers together was coupled with the efforts of his partner Sarah, who used a piece of fabric from her costume to shield him from too much exposure. The playful banter during this awkward moment encouraged laughter among the audience, with head judge Shirley Ballas stepping up to comment. She remarked on the performance, saying, "There might have been a trouser malfunction, but there was no malfunction with the routine. That was absolutely superb!"
Despite the embarrassing predicament, Vito and Sarah’s performance received commendable recognition with the judges awarding them 39 points, placing them joint-second after the initial round of dances. The audience’s spirits remained high throughout the show, the final remaining both a celebration and intense competition, as all couples vied for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Social media users could not resist the humor of Vito's situation, with fans commenting on platforms like X/Twitter. One viewer quipped, "Let’s face it, it was only a matter of time before Vito had another trouser malfunction," highlighting the light-hearted nature of the incident. Another commented, "Vito wanting to jump up and down with excitement but can’t because he has to hold onto his trousers"—a perfect capture of the comic relief the situation brought.
The atmosphere of celebration did not fade, as other finalists including Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, who eventually clinched the championship, dazzled the audience. Chris, the first blind contestant of the show, expressed his disbelief and gratitude after winning, stating, "It’s astonishing, I don’t know what to say!" Recounting his victory, he mentioned how his partner’s 'positivity and belief' made the experience more meaningful.
Moving back to the lively performances, Sarah Hadland shared her thoughts on the emotional impact of the competition on her life. Reflecting on her experiences throughout the series, she said, "That I can push myself harder than I thought and I’m capable of much more than I thought I was," emphasizing personal growth alongside Vito during their partnership.
Knowing the backdrop of previous controversies surrounding the show, such as the allegations faced by former contestant Giovanni Pernice, Vito’s wardrobe malfunction represented both the risks and unpredictability of live television. When the incident happened, it provided both the cast and viewers with unexpected laughter, reminding everyone of the real, human elements of performing live.
Judge Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke commended the couple for their captivating chemistry and how well they executed their routine, with Anton noting, "You're so captivating!" The judges’ feedback, combined with fun moments such as the wardrobe mishap, added to the defining charm of the final night.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to shine brightly on television, proving to be both entertaining and enlightening, with its remarkable stories and unforgettable moments like Vito’s wardrobe malfunction adding to its legacy. The finale may have been full of unexpected surprises, but it also cemented the contestants' journeys and the bonds formed throughout the competition.
For those wanting to relive the extraordinary finale or explore past episodes, Strictly Come Dancing remains available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, ensuring fans won't miss out on any action or humor the show has to offer.
