Strictly Come Dancing icon Vito Coppola has broken his silence on the professional dancers axed so far this year, as four names confirmed they are leaving the BBC competition for good. Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova and Michelle Tsiakkas have all confirmed their exits, while reports have also claimed Gorka Marquez has been given the boot.

During an appearance at the UK Italian Awards, an “emotional” Vito gave an update on his own future on the show. Speaking exclusively to Daily Express, he explained that he hasn’t been in contact with any of the axed pros except Michelle. Vito said: “I haven’t seen any of the other pros, especially some of the pros who are not with us in this next series. I’ve seen only Michelle because me, Michelle and Nancy [Xu] went to see Dianne [Buswell’s] baby, Bowie.

“But what’s the best thing about Strictly? The fact that we have the ability to connect with people, to make friends for life.

“As a dancer, our lives are very dynamic, so we always move. It’s like fish moving in water. We are aware that as a dancer, our career can always take different directions. It’s something that is constantly evolving and forming. The end of something is the beginning of something else.

“As a dancer we know that, especially coming from a competition point of view. But honestly, there is so much love in the air, friendship and everything is so genuine.”

Giving an update on Dianne, who welcomed her first child with partner Joe Sugg, Vito gushed: “Dianne is amazing. She has been amazing through the entire pregnancy. We’ve been sharing the stage, we were on tour when she was pregnant, she’d never hold back. She would always go for it.

“Joe [Sugg] is just the best dad ever. I look at him and I got emotional when I saw the baby… I call him ‘the little prince’. He just melts my heart. I love him so much!”

Asked what his own future on Strictly holds, Vito teased: “Let’s keep the fingers crossed [for a return]! There is a good, good, good, positive feeling.”

Vito presented two of the awards at this year’s Italian Awards, held at Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square hotel. The ceremony honoured the best in British Italian cuisine, drinks and suppliers, recognising restaurants, chefs and cafes across the country.

Speaking about the importance of recognising Italian culture and cuisine, Vito said: “Honestly the awards are about all the food! Food as I always say […] shaped my life. It has been with me in all my moments, all my ups and downs.

“Every time we celebrate food, especially Italian food, I’m the first one on the front row up there! I can’t wait. Honestly it’s a celebration, I’m going to see lots of Italian people and I’m very, very grateful.”

Vito himself was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award, a special trophy recognising “long-term contribution, leadership or influence within the Italian food industry”.

Next year the awards will head across the pond to New York for the first time.