Who is Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach? | The Sun

IN 2023, TV star Ellie Leach swapped the Coronation Street cobbles for the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor.

But who is she and who did she play in the ITV soap? From her Coronation Street career to her Strictly stint – here’s everything you need to know about actress Ellie Leach.

Who is Ellie Leach?

Ellie Leach, born March 15, 2001, in Bury, Manchester, is an English actress and one of the famous faces starring in the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

As an actress, Ellie is best known for her time on the iconic ITV soap Coronation Street – and it was during her time there that the TV star was nominated for a number of British Soap Awards.

Prior to landing a role on the soap, the actress began her television career appearing on a number of commercials for brands such as Staples.

She also starred in the film A Boy Called Dad, as well as the TV show Moving On.

Who did Ellie Leach play on Coronation Street?

Ellie is best known for her portrayal of Faye Windass on Coronation Street.

She first joined the cobbles back in 2011 and saw her Corrie character tackle some gritty storylines, including teen pregnancy, early menopause and even sentenced to prison for attacking a neighbour.

Speaking about the soap in early 2023, Ellie said: “I have been in Coronation Street for twelve years but it literally feels like I started yesterday.

"That’s over half my life! It’s mental. Faye has been through a lot.”

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Why did Ellie Leach leave Coronation Street?

Sadly for fans of the soap, in April 2023, The Sun exclusively revealed that Ellie was leaving the cobbles after 12 years.

An insider told The Sun: “Ellie’s been on the soap since she was 10 years old so it’s all she’s known, she sees the cast like an extension of her family.

"She’s sad to be leaving, but grateful that her character won’t be killed off.

"She’s going to have a go at trying other acting roles for a bit.”

When the star left the soap, fans felt her final storyline was "rushed."

She left Weatherfield in a packed vehicle with ex-boyfriend Jackson and their daughter Miley.

Following the news of her soap exit, Ellie was joined by a host of Corrie stars, including on-screen love interests Craig Tinker, played by Colson Smith and Jackson Hodge, portrayed by actor Joseph Evans at her leaving do.

Is Ellie Leach married?

As of December 2023, Ellie is not married.

She split up with her long term boyfriend Reagan Pettman in May 2023.

A source said: “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.”

Since her Strictly stint, Ellie and professional dance partner Vito have had tongues wagging with their growing closeness.

However, in Demcember 2023, the dancer revealed the real reason any romance has been put on ice.

Asked about their chemistry, he said: “We have so many things to think about, you know, and choreography, and lift up and down, left, right, diagonal.

"And after we finish, we have the time to eat fast. We nap a little bit because we need to take the energy to continue.

"After we go home, we make sure we go to sleep the next day we have to go again.

“So we really are so focused on all this beautiful experience.

“We just had a very great connection, a 50/50 partnership since the beginning.”

Ellie said: “I think that, obviously, we've danced together for how many weeks now? It’s been three months we've been together every single day.

"And you really have to have a strong partnership to be able to trust in each other.”

How has Ellie Leach performed during Strictly Come Dancing?

Ellie Leach has enjoyed Strictly success, with the former Coronation Street star heading into the show’s grand finale alongside co-stars Layton Williams, and Bobby Brazier.

As the only woman left on the show, Ellie declared she is now “doing it for the girls.

Speaking ahead of the final she said: “Honestly, I feel so so lucky to be in the final, everyone in this competition has been so amazing.

“I’m doing it for the girls! The last woman standing!

“I just loved everything about this experience. I just feel really, really grateful to be here.”

She added: “I was so nervous at the start. I was like, ‘look, I’m really sorry. There's gonna be things that I don't know if I can do’, and I was really, really scared.

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“I've never had any dance experience. I actually cannot believe that we are in the final, and also how quick the time has gone.

“It feels like Christmas Eve every night, like you’re excited to wake up Christmas Day.”

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