Ellie Leach welcomes Strictly’s lively new direction

9/30 @ 3:04pm by Morten Nielsen

Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach has endorsed the BBC programme’s revamped format, despite a mixed response from viewers

The latest series is hosted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Leach praised the energetic launch and said the show remains a rare source of family entertainment

She is also backing her friend Vito Coppola, partnered with Lacey Turner, and credits Strictly with transforming her confidence and career.