Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left in tears after reigning champ Ellie Leach made a heartbreaking admission on the first episode of Drama Queens. The 23-year-old has let cameras into her life as she and eight other soap stars speak about life outside of their on-screen characters.
During the first episode, Ellie got emotional when discussing the pressures she’s had to deal with since being thrust into the spotlight. The ITV star admitted that she experienced overwhelming interest in her personal life when she was on Strictly, much more than when she was on Coronation Street.
Discussing her ex-boyfriend selling a story on her, Ellie said: “I got a text with the email, it was to my agent and it just said, ‘Hi Chloe, hope you’re well? I just wanted to let you know that Ellie Leach’s ex has chatted to us, he’s really nice about Ellie and says she’s perfect, he also admits to cheating on her. Thank you’.”
Speaking to her mum at a restaurant, the soap star admitted: “It was just a shock,” as her mum agreed: “It was the timing.” As she tried to speak about it, Ellie got visibly upset as her mum gave her a cuddle. “That article in particular kind of felt like all your dirty laundry is available for everyone to see.
“It’s no reflection of who you are, but it still feels embarrassing,” she explained. “It still feels like you’ve done something wrong when you haven’t.” Viewers at home were overwhelmed by Ellie’s emotions and rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their views.
One person said: “#Dramaqueens Absolutely crying for Ellie what a superstar she is. I love her so much and will always be a phenomenal actor.”
Another social media user penned: “Love Ellie and super proud of her. From corrie at such a young age to strictly… she has done so, so well and should be super proud of herself like we are of her #corrie #dramaqueens.”
Somebody else commented: “No Ellie and her mum have got me tearing up so bad #dramaqueens.”
Another expressed: “Easy to forget how young Ellie Leach actually is considering how long she was on Corrie #dramaqueens.”
A fifth protective fan of the ITV star said: “Watching #dramaqueens and getting ready to hunt anyone down who’s wronged our Ellie.”
While a sixth added: “Literally love this show so much it’s making me emotional. what a fabulous group of women…can’t wait for more #dramaqueens.”
Drama Queens airs on Wednesdays at 9pm on ITVBe and ITVX.