Strictly Come Dancing 2023 'signs' huge Coronation Street star

Strictly Come Dancing logo
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 could be signing up another soap star. (Image credit: BBC)

Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach is reportedly joining the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up.

Ellie, who played Faye Windass on the cobbles, recently left the soap after 12 years to pursue other roles. Could she have her eye on appearing in Strictly Come Dancing later this year?

A TV insider allegedly told The Sun: “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. She left Corrie, a show which she effectively grew up on as she joined the cast when she was just a child.

“It’s going to take some adjusting to, but Strictly is part of opening up a new chapter for Ellie."

Will Faye take a pregnancy test?

Ellie Leach as Faye Windass in Coronation Street. (Image credit: ITV)

Her last scene on the cobbles saw Faye leave Weatherfield for a new life in Slough with her ex-boyfriend Jackson Hodge and their daughter, Miley as her heartbroken boyfriend, Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) bid her an emotional farewell.

Faye had been involved in some hard-hitting storylines over the years, such as becoming pregnant at 13, suffering with premature menopause and being sent to prison for attacking Adam Barlow (Samuel Robertson) after she mistakenly thought he was Ray Crosby (Mark Frost), who had sexually assaulted her at the Viaduct Bistro.

If the rumours are true, Ellie would be following in the footsteps of a number of Corrie stars who have waltzed onto the Strictly ballroom over the years, including Will Mellor (Harvey Gaskell), Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor), Catherine Tyldesley (Eva Price), Georgia May Foote (Katy Armstrong) and Tina O'Brien (Sarah Platt).

Strictly Come Dancing already have their eye on a number of soap stars they want to appear on this year's show, including EastEnders and Casualty legend Nigel Harman, EastEnders stars Bobby Brazier and Priya Davdra and former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas.

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 airs later this year.

Coronation Street airs hour-long episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 pm on ITV — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on ITVX.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.