Ellie Leach says she 'can't believe how' amid first Blackpool return since Strictly Come Dancing

Ellie Leach has shared her disbelief as she made a return to Blackpool following her special visit to the seaside town during her successful Strictly Come Dancing stint last year.

As fans of the BBC One dance contest know, Ellie and professional dance partner Vito Coppola lifted the coveted glitterball trophy back in December.

They were crowned champions of the show's 2023 series following a close finale with Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.

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Ellie's Strictly journey then continued into 2024 as earlier this year, the former Coronation Street star was reunited with Vito and the pair joined a number of their co-stars from the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2024 tour which visited arenas up and down the country.

But shortly after the tour, Ellie headed into her next job and made her stage debut in Cluedo 2: The Next Chapter where she continues to star as Miss Scarlett.

Her recent run in the play saw her take on Blackpool and it appears Ellie enjoyed her time visiting the iconic Blackpool Tower, where she performed with Vito in November last year as part of the hit BBC dance show, and taking some time out from performing in the arcades.

Sharing a picture of some and her castmate's antics, the former Coronation Street star wrote on Instagram: "Gorgeous week in Blackpool.

"Most of you will know from my time on strictly that blackpool holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve spent so much time there with my family growing up and i have loved being able to create more memories and show @karaalberts the sights for the first time!! I think i’ve succeeded as a tour guide so maybe that will be my next job."

She also shared a picture of the Blackpool Tower lit up at night and wrote on her Instagram Story: "Another week done! Only 5 more weeks left @cluedostageplay can't believe how quickly it's gone!"

And her fans and followers were quick to respond having see the play during its time back up north. @patmason656 said: "The show was brilliant in Blackpool was lovely to meet you and your mom and dad such a beautiful family." @millygrace._ wrote: "Loved getting to see you on tuesday! such a good show."

@roycoyboyuk commented: "Once again Ellie you have achieved perfection in these pictures, and the ones of you alone are above perfection, every judge would have no hesitation to score you a 10." @lisaglossop19 posted: "And you were brilliant! Loved the show." @lucyrogers2000 added: "The show was brilliant and the theatre was beautiful."