Strictly Come Dancing returns for a 21st series this autumn, with 15 celebrity contestants competing in the popular BBC show.
Coronation Street star Ellie Leach is among those taking part.
But who exactly is Ellie Leach? What has she said about joining Strictly Come Dancing? Is she married?
Read on for everything you need to know about Ellie Leach.
Glitzy: Ellie Leach, 22, will take to Strictly after her departure from Coronation Street, where she played Faye Windass for over a decade
Glammed up: Ellie is pictured with her Strictly dance partner Vito Coppola ahead of the show
Soap star: Ellie Leach, 22, is an actress who was born in Manchester. She became famous for her role in Coronation Street as Faye Windass (pictured)
Who is Ellie Leach?
Ellie Leach, 22, is an actress who was born in Manchester and began her television career appearing in adverts for Staples and McDonald’s.
Leach became famous for her role in Coronation Street, where she played Faye Windass for 12 years. She left the show in July 2023.
She first stepped foot onto the cobbles as a nine-year-old back in 2011, playing the adopted daughter of Eddie and Anna Windass.
Faye’s Weatherfield departure saw her break the heart of her fiancé Craig Tinker (Colson Smith), as she fled the street to be with her daughter Miley, played by Frankie-Jae Simmonds and Miley’s father Jackson Hodge, played by Joseph Evans.
Ellie wrote on Instagram: ‘Farewell Faye Windass. And just like that, 12 years at @coronationstreet has come to end!!
‘At 9 years old I could have never imagined how much this show would change my life. I have worked with some of the most incredible people and have learnt so much over the years that I will continue to hold onto for the rest of my life.’
What has Ellie Leach said about joining Strictly?
All smiles: Actor Ellie was born in Manchester and began her television career appearing in adverts for Staples and McDonald’s
After Leach’s appearance on the 2023 edition of Strictly was confirmed, she told BBC Breakfast that she was ‘so excited’ to take part after leaving Coronation Street.
She added: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’.
The actor will appear on the ballroom floor alongside professional dancer Vito Coppola.
Is Ellie Leach married?
Healing: Ellie Leach, 22, who quit her role as Faye Windass earlier this year after a decade on the Cobbles, split with her beau (pictured) back in May over ‘cheating’ allegations
Leach was in a relationship with her model and dancer boyfriend Reagan Pettman for five years before they broke up in May 2023.
They split after Leach’s exit from Coronation Street, with the couple deciding ‘to call things a day’.
‘Ellie has the world at her feet after stepping away from Corrie and she has taken time to reflect on which direction her life is going in.
‘Ellie and Reagan decided to call things a day and she is making the most of her single status’, according to The Sun.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
