12 March 2024 , 11:53
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Strictly Come Dancing winner, Ellie Leach, is said to be 'heartbroken' over recent rumours regarding her relationship with Bobby Brazier.
The Coronation Street star, 22, and the EastEnders actor, 20, have looked very cosy in recent weeks following the Strictly tour. However, some are suggesting their relationship is "fake", claiming they "both want the limelight and this is how they do it" on X, formerly Twitter. Others have accused the pair of exploiting "showmances" during their time on the BBC show with professional partners, Vito Coppola and Dianne Buswell.
As the rumour mill churns, Ellie, who shot to fame on the ITV soap as Faye Windass, is reportedly 'upset' as a source claimed her relationship with the son of late Big Brother star, Jade Goody, was definitely the 'real deal'. They said: "Ellie is really hurt that people are saying her relationship is fake - it's definitely not. They're trying to keep things under wraps, get to know each under and just have fun. But these comments, including that it could be a showmance like with Vito or that it's fake are causing pain."
Strictly Come Dancing stars Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier have looked very cosy together (Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock)
The actress told fans she was just friends with Vito (ellielouiseleach/Instagram)They continued in New magazine: "It's still early days for them, but their relationship is genuine. It's upsetting to hear things like: 'It's a set up', but their friends and family are telling them to rise above it and not to listen to them."
In the wake of the speculation, the Coronation Street actress seems to have finally put rumours of a romance - or showmance- with her professional partner Vito to bed. She posted a snap of the Italian, 31, on her story today and insisted they are just good friends. Ellie wrote: "Men and women can be friends and can love each other as FRIENDS. Just saying."
Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tour
However, the actress appeared to be very loved up when she went on a romantic date earlier this month with Bobby. The young actors were spotted leaving a London bar after Ellie made her stage debut last week in Cluedo 2 at Richmond Theatre. Bobby took the Strictly winner out for drinks before they were seen leaving London's No 1 Duke Street bar, giggling away.
Their outing comes just a week after they went on a late-night walk together, further fuelling speculation they are more than just friends. The pair strolled arm-in-arm through the capital before Ellie let Bobby into an apartment, where he seemed to be carrying an overnight bag.
Rumours of a romance between the couple started when they embarked on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour. The pair appeared close to each other in photos shared on social media and were spotted cosied up in a hotel lobby after the tour. Bobby was also seen holding hands with Ellie's mum at one point.
However, the former model has remained tight-lipped about a budding romance. Speaking previously to The Sun, he called Ellie "beautiful" and "amazing" but added: "She is a lovely lovely friend of mine." When pressed on any romance between them, he insisted: "She's a lovely, lovely, lovely friend of mine."
The Mirror has contacted reps for Ellie and Bobby for comment on this story.