A Bury-born actress says she ‘cannot wait to be Strictly-fied’ as she prepares to take to the floor for television’s biggest dance competition.
Ellie Leach, who is best known for portraying Faye Windass on ITV’s Coronation Street, will be competing in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress, who confessed she is ‘obsessed with dancing’, said she is looking forward to receiving a glamourous Strictly make-over, complete with fake tan and glitter.
Ellie, who left her role on Coronation Street after 12 years in July, joins fellow Bury-born star Layton Williams in the upcoming series, launching on BBC1 tonight.
The actress said she’s always wanted to take part in the show, and even took dancing lessons as a child.
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She continued: “Well, I've always wanted to do Strictly, always! Ever since I was younger, I've been obsessed with dancing and watching dancing. I used to do tap and ballet when I was younger, but I'm not trained.
“I think just coming out of Coronation Street, it's amazing to have a new experience and do something that I have never done before."
Ellie said her favourite contestant from previous series' was actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who became the show’s first deaf contestant and won the 19th series along with dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
She said: “When I was watching her, I couldn't even gasp for breath, I was like ‘Oh my God. It’s amazing!’ She was so beautiful, like the way that she danced was just amazing.
“I love that she was just like; this is me and this is what I do, this is my life and you are going to see it.
The actress said that while she had some dancing experience, she is not trained and has been preparing to take part in the series by going to the gym.
“I did tap, ballet and street dance when I was younger. But I'm in no way shape or form, trained in ballroom or Latin. I wish I was because that would be amazing.
“ I've always been interested in dancing and when I was younger, I always used to watch Step Up and Street Dance and Fame.
"I've always enjoyed watching dance films and videos of people dancing. So, I'm excited to get my dancing shoes on and do it! I cannot wait!"
She added: “Give me the tan, give me the sequins, give me the make-up the hair, the glitter, everything. That's the best part about it."
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