New TV Queens are soap opera royalty
STRICTLY champ Ellie Leach says her new series Drama Queens will showcase the excitement and stress she has felt since winning.
The eight episodes focusing on Manchester and the North West follow the lives of female actresses on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
The “raw” series launches on ITVBe next week and features the aftermath of Ellie’s dance triumph as she embarks on the live tour.
The ex-Corrie star won the 21st contest with pro dance partner Vito Coppola, right, in December.
Ellie, 23, said: “It will be good to get an insight into our families. It’s not all glitz and glamour. I’ve just started a play which is completely out of my comfort zone.”
Speaking about the BBC1 dance competition, she added: “I can’t believe I got the chance to be part of it. It opened my eyes to what is out there.”
Asked if Vito, 31, is in the new show, she added: “There are a few bits on tour. He is hilarious and he makes me laugh.
“I wouldn’t have been able to get through it without him. He was a great teacher, a great friend and dance partner. He helped change my life.”
Other Drama Queens stars include Hollyoaks’ Jorgie Porter, who lives with young son Forest and fiance Ollie, and Rita Simons (EastEnders’ Roxy). The line-up is completed by Hollyoaks actress and singer Jamelia, Emmerdale’s Amy Walsh, Laura Norton and Roxy Shahidi and Corrie’s Brooke Vincent and Lucy Fallon.
Rebecca Kenny-Smith, of makers Lime Pictures promised a “raw portrayal of what it’s really like to be a soap star”.
Drama Queens is on ITVBe and ITVX on April 10 at 9pm.