Strictly Come Dancing sensation Ellie Leach has learned to let loose and have fun thanks to her Italian stallion dance partner Vito Coppola.
The pair have been wowing fans with their amazing routines on the BBC dance contest.In fact, their chemistry is so incredible some viewers are convinced they’re enjoying a secret romance. For Ellie, 22, this is a chance to show off her sexy side on telly for the first time.
It’s a world away from her stint as Faye Windass on Corrie that saw her tackle a string of hard-hitting storylines for 12 years, including teenage pregnancy. She says: “We are really enjoying ourselves – I’m having so much fun. Vito is an amazing teacher. To be able to learn a brand new skill that I haven’t done before with him is great.
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“The jive we did in the first week brought out a different side of me. People have been shocked when they’ve seen me on Strictly because I’m so different now. “Everyone is like, ‘Oh my God, she actually smiles!’. It’s been really nice to let people see my personality.”
Ellie is also benefitting from a toned physique thanks to the dancing. Practicing around the clock with hunky Vito has made her fitter than ever. “The training is so full on – it’s really, really busy,” she admits.
“We are training all day, every day. “I’ve not really done any physical activity before, so the fact that I’m doing so much now is amazing. I can definitely see the changes and I’m feeling a lot stronger.”
Ellie and Vito, 31, have emerged as the new bookies’ favourites to win the competition. The actress is now ahead of celebs who have danced professionally, including Layton Williams, 29, and Nigel Harman, 50.
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But it’s not the Glitterball that matters most to her. Ellie says: “Every weekend, I go out there and all I want to do is make my family proud. “I dedicate everything I do to my family. They are my everything and I wouldn’t be where I am without them."
Ellie has become a firm favourite among the show’s viewers. Every week she and Vito are getting floods of positive messages from fans who love seeing them dance. “Everyone has been so lovely – the support has just been amazing,” she beams. “I can’t thank people enough.
“We are so grateful for all the people who have been voting for us. It’s amazing and very overwhelming. I’ve had some amazing messages from everyone I worked with at Corrie, too – they are so proud of me and wishing me well. It’s been really nice to have their support.”
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