Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach's cousin penned a moving tribute to her as she landed in the final of the BBC competition.
Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach, and Layton Williams will be battling it out for the top spot in Saturday’s final after weeks of incredible performances and brutal judges critiques. Ahead of the final, Coronation Street star Ellie's cousin took to social media to share her pride for the actress.
Along with a mixture of throwback family pictures and Strictly pictures of Ellie with her dance partner Vito Coppola, Ellie's cousin Brooke Vincent wrote: "Bleach … @ellielouiseleach I will never have the words to explain how proud I am and have always been of you…
"This journey has been different! It’s been more than a competition and I am so happy that the world gets to see exactly why we all love you so much! GOOD LUCK tonight to our very own dancing queen!"
She continued to her 930,000 followers: "You have given everything and more to this & there’s not a doubt in my mind that this is the start of a new chapter for you!! This is your time to shine exactly like you have been doing!.. I love you El,so so much, we are all right behind you as always."
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likenessEllie responded to the post with a "love you," while one supportive fan wrote: "Good luck Ellie & Vito. She's amazing and has lived the Strictly experience to the max. I'll be voting." Another said: "Definitely the winner from day one. Its been great seeing Ellies personality after years of watching her in Corrie. Ellie and Vito to win."
One big fan said: "I really hope she wins this as she deserves it & has started from scratch , she’s my winner for sure," and another added: "Team Ellie and Vito , a dancer who has started from scratch and this is what the show is about , I really hope you have the glitter ball."
Ellie recently said she already feels like a winner having been paired with dance pro Vito. The pair have repeatedly brushed off speculation that they are dating. But Ellie may have reignited the rumours by telling him: “With you as a teacher, as a partner, I genuinely do feel like I’ve won.”
And speaking on the eve of the final, Vito declared: “She’s my winner since day one.” Turning to Ellie, the Italian charmer said: “You have been every week the winner, my winner, our winner of our cup." The duo are red-hot favourites with the bookies to lift the glitterball this weekend.