Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach has stunned her fans and followers as she was seen glamming up to mark the New Year - after being 'snapped back to reality' with her soap star cousin.
16.12.2023 - 20:11 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Ellie Leach was at a school friend's birthday sleepover when she discovered she had secured the part of Faye Windass on Coronation Street. Now 22, the Strictly Come Dancing finalist, from Audenshaw, has already experienced a career that most people could only dream about.
Stephanie Bateman has followed Ellie's success every step of the way. More than just a proud former headteacher at Fairfield High School for Girls, in Droylsden, Mrs Bateman has kept in touch with Ellie, who starred on Corrie for 12 years before leaving the series earlier this year.
Each week, as Ellie has wowed Strictly judges and the viewing public with her performances alongside dance partner Vito Coppola, Mrs Batemen has messaged her ex-star pupil, urging her to 'go for her dreams' and 'be a true Fairfield girl'. "She is a delightful girl, she was at school," Mrs Bateman told the Manchester Evening News.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola shares big 'risk' he took for partner Ellie Leach
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"We are so proud of her achievements. She's just a normal person from a normal family from the North of England. She has gone out and been ambitious for herself. That's really important to me and I think that's what the school taught her - aim high, go for the top."
Ellie was still yet to start as a student at Fairfield when she secured a role on ITV's iconic cobbles. While at primary school, Ellie first appeared in the 2009 film, A Boy Called Dad.
The following year, she featured on TV adverts for McDonald's and Staples, and starred in an episode of BBC series Moving On. Speaking to reporters ahead of her departure from Corrie in May, Ellie recalled how she
Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach has stunned her fans and followers as she was seen glamming up to mark the New Year - after being 'snapped back to reality' with her soap star cousin.
Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has thrilled fans by sharing the 'best news' with his fans and followers weeks after the latest series came to an end. The dancer appeared during the final of the BBC One dance contest earlier this month following his unexpected exit from the 2023 series.
Ellie Leach couldn't dampen her smiles as she was reunited with her best friend for a night out weeks after her Strictly Come Dancing win. It was only on December 16 that the actress was crowned this year's champion of the BBC One dance contest alongside Vito Coppola.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans were left making the same demand after being left speechless by Danny Cipriani.
Layton Williams has been flooded with support from fans after he was spotted sending a public message to Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach. The actor and West End star made it to the final of the BBC One dance contest with the former Coronation Street star on Saturday (December 16).
Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola has admitted to 'crying' as he responded to a heartfelt tribute penned to him from Ellie Leach. The pair are still riding the emotional wave as their journey on the BBC One dance contest came to a spectacular end.
Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach has declared her love for her co-star as she spoke to her fans and followers for the first time since winning the show. The Bury-born actress lifted the Glitterball trophy on Saturday night (December 16) alongside professional dance partner Vito Coppola.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have spotted the 'pure love' Vito Coppola has with one of his co-stars - and it's not Ellie Leach. The pair emerged victorious on Saturday night (December 16) in the final of the BBC One dance contest.
Layton Williams has issued a simple two-word message to Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola after he lost out to them in the Strictly Come Dancing final. The actor and West End star made it through to the end of the BBC One dance contest this year with dance partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have said it's 'not needed' as they made a complaint just seconds into the 2023 final. It was just Ellie Leach, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier left in the competition as it reached its climax on Saturday night (December 16).
Strictly Come Dancing fans were quick off the mark on Saturday night (December 16) as the final got underway. After an incredible 13 weeks, we reached the end of the BBC One dance contest with Ellie Leach, Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier in the final alongside their professional dancers.
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in tears just moments into the grand finale as they spotted a very familiar face. The BBC One dance contest reached its climax on Saturday night (December 16) with the final three couples.
It's hard to believe but 13 weeks have flown by and the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final is now nearly here. On Saturday night (December 16) the final three couples will take to the ballroom floor for one last time.
One of the biggest nights in the TV calendar is here - the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final. It's set to be a dazzling night in the ballroom as, after 13 weeks, this year's winner will be announced.
No one has been prouder than Ellie Leach's mum Karen to see how her daughter has blossomed on the dancefloor of BBC Strictly Come Dancing. Her dance skills have amazed even the people closest to her - who had no idea she had such a talent.
Strictly Come Dancing's 2023 finalists have been confirmed after a sad final exit. It's been 12 weeks since 14 celebrities first appeared in the ballroom after signing up for this year's run of the BBC One dance contest.
Vito Coppola has branded his Strictly Come Dancing partner Ellie Leach a 'warrior' as she opened up about how the show has 'changed' her. The pair have been going from strength to strength in the ballroom while also being subject to romance rumours out of it.
Strictly Come Dancing fans were wondering if they saw what they thought they did during Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin's perfect-scoring routine as they once again stole the show. The pair were back in the ballroom on Saturday night (December 9) for the semi-final of the BBC One dance contest.
Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams slammed so-called 'fans' of the show before it was revealed he had made it through to the final. The actor and West End star had another amazing weekend in the ballroom with dance partner Nikita Kuzmin.
According to Strictly Come Dancing fans, 'tension' between the judges and one of the celebrity contestants has been 'confirmed' after a telling comment from Motis Mabuse. It was the semi-final of the BBC One dance contest on Saturday night (December 9) and the remaining four couples performed twice for the judges and the voting public watching at home