01 October 2023 , 07:00
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Ellie Simmonds confessed her sadness that her time on Strictly Come Dancing has been and gone as she revealed her thoughts on her former partner Nikita Kuzmin's new pairing.
Paralympic gold medalist Ellie, 28, took part in the BBC ballroom dancing show last year and was paired with dancer Nikita, 25, for the series. Ellie and Nikita went far in the series but were eliminated in week seven of the competition – following a dance off against Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
A year on, and Nikita is now dancing with Bad Education actor Layton Williams as the pair made their live dancefloor debut last Saturday.
In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, Ellie gushed over the 'phenomenal' pair – but couldn't help but admit her sadness that she isn't competing this year.
When asked on the red carpet of the JustGiving Awards how she felt watching Strictly rather than competing, Ellie confessed: "Do you know what, it’s like I’m so happy for them – Nikita’s got Layton and I’m rooting for them all the way, I hope they win. Their first dance on Saturday night was phenomenal.
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Ellie admitted she felt a pang of sadness that she's not competing on Strictly this year (PA)
Nikita is dancing with Layton Williams this year (PA)"But, also, it’s a bit like, ‘Oh I want it to be me again’, so I’ve got a bit of excitement that I’m watching it but also sad that I’m not… yeah I’m like on board with the nerves and everything they’re going through and all the hair, the makeup, the whole department behind the scenes. It’s like a family and to see Nikita dance with someone else I’m like ‘Ohh’ but I’m so joyous as well because he’s got Layton who is phenomenal."
The athlete added of her former Strictly dance partner: "Nikita clicks with everyone, that’s him. He did a good job with me last year and Tilly the year before. He keeps shining each year."
However, she admitted Nikita and Layton, 29, have some stiff competition this year as Katya Jones and Nigel Harman's first performance was the talk of the evening last week. "Katya has Nigel which is just wow," Ellie said. "Then I’m also rooting for Dianne and Bobby and also Ellie and Vito – there are so many this year that are just, wow, you want them to do really well."
Nikita and Ellie competed together on Strictly last year (PA)Ellie's time on the show meant she's well-equipped to give some tips and tricks for this year's celebrities hoping to scoop the Glitterball trophy. When asked what advice she would give to the Strictly class of 2023, she revealed: "Take it so slowly, because it goes so fast so take everything in. I can’t believe I’m old school now with it, I was last season! I think tell them to go so slow and look after their feet as well because there’s blisters galore and just enjoy every second of it!"
After Layton was announced as part of this year's line-up the theatre performer and actor was hit with 'fix' claims and was forced to defend his previous dance experience.
Layton, who has appeared in musicals including Everybody's Talking About Jamie, told the Mirror ahead of the series launch: "Of course there's going to be moments that will feel more comfortable being in the rehearsal room and use of dancing. However, I can't stress enough how different [Strictly is]... it's like a plumber trying to be an electrician!"