Coronation Street's Ellie Leach supported by former co-star's as she's seen being surprised by famous cousin

Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach has been supported by her ex-co-stars as she was surprised by her family - including her famous soap star cousin. Over the weekend, the actress took to social media to share how her loved ones had organised a little soiree before her Strictly Come Dancing stint.

Ellie, who is known for playing Faye Windass in the ITV soap before her exit after 12 years earlier this year, is currently gearing up for her time on the dancefloor after signing up to the upcoming series of the BBC One dance contest.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast as her signing was announced, Ellie said: "Obviously it was really emotional. My last day [on Corrie], but I think the fact that I came out of Corrie and now I’m doing Strictly… I could never have imagined that this would have happened and I’m so, so grateful."

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"I think that’s the most amazing thing about Strictly… being able to just be on the dancefloor every week. I’m always straight on the dancefloor, I love a good boogie, but I don’t know if my moves are good enough yet. I’m excited to kind of do something different, all the Latin dances, and ballroom as well, it’s so exciting."

While fans of Strictly now have to wait a few more weeks to see the celebrities in action, Ellie has been keeping her social media profile updated. And in a recently-shared video, the former soap star looked stunned as she walked into a bar with her cousin, fellow Corrie alum Brooke Vincent, before a chorus of 'surprise' rung out.

Ellie was open-mouthed as she realised what was going on and Brooke, who is known for having played Sophie Webster in the long-running show, encouraged her to