Ellie Simmonds has revealed which couple she would like to win Strictly (Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Former Strictly star Ellie Simmonds has revealed which couple she is backing to lift the coveted glitterball trophy.
The retired Paralympic swimmer – who has teamed up with SHEBA for their Hope Grows programme – wowed fans on the dancefloor back in 2022 with her professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Despite being eliminated from the competition in week seven, she joined the star-studded cast on the nationwide tour in the new year.
One year later, Ellie has interviewed the four finalists ahead of Saturday night’s grand final (December 14) during an appearance on Lorraine which is set to air later this week.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the athlete has revealed which couple she will be cheering on to steal the crown as the winners of 2024.
:
The Paralympic swimmer believes Chris McCausland has what it takes to win (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
She told us: “I can’t be biased, but for me, I think Chris and Dianne [should win]. I’m supporting them all the way. I’ve got a personal connection with Dianne, like we got really close on tour last year and we’re friends and stuff.
“But then, I think also what Chris is doing is amazing. Like, dancing is hard. I got to experience how tough it is to learn a new dance each week, and he’s doing it visually impaired.”
The broadcaster went on to reveal how the comic has been learning the choreography with his Australian dance partner. She continued: “I know Di spoke about it last week, but he can’t see what the dances are like so each week he’s having to go in completely unaware of what a dance is.
“She was saying when we were chatting away that she places his foot on him in the position sometimes because he can’t be a visual learner. It’s all got to be adapted for him and it just shows that you can do it no matter what.”
Don’t miss… [EXPLAINED]
She lifted the lid on the adjustments Dianne has made to their rehearsals (Image: BBC)
“And I think it’s educating that he’s doing incredible despite being visually impaired. You can see he’s got rhythm, he’s in time and you can see how much he loves it from the emotion on his face and how he’s just having the time of his life.”
Discussing all that they’ve achieved throughout the series, Ellie gushed: “They’re breaking down so many barriers and credit to Di and Chris and how hard they’re working. He feels excited to represent not just the disabled community but also Liverpool and other comedians and he’s such a nice guy.”
The multi-gold medalist teamed up with SHEBA Hope Grows to help restore coral reefs and preserve oceans for generations to come. The beloved swimer jetted Down Under to help the world’s largest restoration programme at the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Australia.
Speaking about the initiative, she said: “Although the world’s reefs feel so far away from the UK, the impacts of climate change affect our entire planet, whether it be through changing weather patterns or the loss of coral reefs, we must do more to give nature a chance to adapt and resist these changes.
Ellie Simmonds has teamed up with SHEBA to raise awareness for ocean conservation (Image: SHEBA)
“Preserving our oceans is something I have always been passionate about, especially with the water being a big part of my life for many years. I’m thrilled to be joining forces with SHEBA Hope Grow programme again this year to show everyone a new story of hope.
“It’s incredible to see the power of reef stars and meet the team behind this small unique structure that has a big impact. Change can’t happen alone, it’s about the partnership between many organisations.
“It just goes to show how powerful we can be when we have a common goal – saving our oceans. Action taken to restore coral reefs today, helps to preserve our oceans for generations to come.”
The final airs on Saturday (December 14) from 6pm on One or catch up on iPlayer.