Strictly: Ellie and Nikita speak after their first performance

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Paralympian Ellie Simmonds made her Strictly Come Dancing debut on BBC One with partner Nikita Kuzmin at the weekend. Ellie, 27, and Nikita, 24, received compliments from the judges following their Cha Cha Cha and gained an impressive 26 points in their first week. However, Nikita addressed why he has been “very strict” with the athlete when they are training for the dance competition. 

Following their performance on Saturday night, Strictly host Claudia Winkleman praised Ellie before calling Nikita “very strict”. 

Claudia added: “You’ve been very strict because in training you are like, ‘No more talking.'”

The Ukrainian dancer replied: “Yeah, the thing is with Ellie we are doing a very serious Cha Cha Cha. 

“Then, at a certain point, Ellie goes, ‘What’s the middle name of your grandmother?'”

“So I just have to stop her talking sometimes,” Nikita added as Ellie looked at him and laughed. 

Ellie explained: “I forget that it’s dancing and I just want to have a chat and he’s telling me to focus and he gives me these eyes and I think, ‘Oh my gosh, yes I have to learn how to dance.'”

Claudia wondered what Nikita’s grandmother’s middle name was following their conversation but he said he was not giving it away until at least week six. 

Ellie was then asked about her boyfriend Matt Dean who has been helping her out by making her packed lunches and dinner as dance training takes up a lot of her time.  

“He’s making everything – he’s an all-right cook, but I think he should be a bit better,” Ellie quipped. 

Matt was in the audience cheering Ellie on and looked shocked when she cheekily insulted his cooking by telling BBC viewers he needed to include vegetables in his dishes.

Claudia joked: “Matt, if you can hear us can you, add some broccoli, some peas.” 

The cameras panned on to Matt who gestured a thumbs up and nodded following his partner’s dietary request to the nation.

DON’T MISS…
‘Part of dwarfism’ James Jordan corrected after Ellie Simmonds remark [UPDATE]
Ellie Simmonds opens up on adapting Strictly routines [LATEST]
Ellie Simmonds ‘honoured’ to represent disability on the new Strictly [INSIGHT]

Ellie told The Sun she was convinced to take part in the show with the help of her boyfriend Matt, who also has dwarfism.

The judges gushed over Ellie’s opening performance on the ballroom floor, with Anton Du Beke commenting: “You powered across the floor. Your side-by-side work was great, your timing was excellent. It was good.”

Veteran judge Craig Revel Horwood added: “I have to agree with Anton, the timing, your attitude, the rhythm, your isolation. It was excellent.”

Motsi Mabuse remarked: “I absolutely love this team. What I love is this focus, you understand what the dance was about.”

She added: “Allow yourself to enjoy it even more. I loved it.” 

Ellie is one of 15 contestants taking part in this year’s milestone 20th series. 

The line-up includes former Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh, singer Matt Goss, Loose Women’s Kaye Adams and comedian Ellie Taylor. 

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One. 

Source: Read Full Article