BBC Strictly signs up Corrie star after dramatic exit from ITV soap

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach has reportedly signed up for the next series of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing following her exit from the ITV soap as Fay Windass, who she portrayed from 2011 until April this year.It comes just months after the 22-year-old actress said goodbye to the cobbles, having starred as a fan favourite on the set when she was just nine, reports the Mirror.Throughout her career on the soap, actress Ellie was given some hard-hitting storylines including being diagnosed with premature menopause, being the victim and perpetrator of bullying and falling pregnant at the age of 13.Aside from her huge exit from the show, Ellie has also been navigating a break-up with her boyfriend of five years Reagan Pettman, with one source claiming her new venture on the BBC dancing competition could be a 'part of opening up a new chapter' for the star.The insider said: "This could be just the tonic for Ellie, who’s had some huge life changes this year and could do with something fresh to focus on." Speaking to The Sun they added: "The dance contest will also give her a chance to get glammed up in a way which she rarely did on the cobbles of Weatherfield as Faye was a comparatively frumpy character." Earlier this year, Ellie confessed it is "really crazy" to think she won't be part of Coronation Street anymore having exited the ITV soap.She told the Mirror: "It's a little bit crazy actually - really crazy.

It is scary but I think it's just a crazy situation."When discussing her departure from the soap, she added that she wanted to enjoy a well-deserved break after working for so many years."To be honest, I've been working since I was nine years old so I'm going to go on holiday for a little bit.