Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach has opened up about her body image struggles, admitting she has put on weight and feels uncomfortable, but is determined to stop comparing herself to others.
The 25-year-old actress, best known for playing Faye Windass on the ITV soap for over a decade, took to Instagram Stories on Thursday to address the issue, which she believes many women can relate to.
Ellie shared that she had been clothes shopping and was confused by sizing, which led her to start comparing herself to others. She urged her followers to remember that everyone is unique in shape and size.
In the video, she said: "Tell me why I picked up two of the skirts [in the same shop], just in different colours - one red one in a size 10, and one white one in a size 12 because they only had size 12 in the white one, and I'm a mixture. Why do they both fit me?! If you're worrying about what size you are... just get whatever size you feel comfortable."
She continued: "I don't know why, but I've really started to compare myself to other people on the Internet because everyone is so thin these days. I'm five foot two and a size 10 to 12. I have put weight on and I feel uncomfortable, but my body is just changing and that's fine. I'm not gonna compare myself anymore to people who are built like models and just going to buy clothes I feel comfortable in and try to stop worrying about it."
Ellie added: "As women, we just worry all the time about what we look like, what size we are. 'Oh, I'm not as thin as her, oh I'm not as tall as her. She's got better legs than me.' But we're all different!"
Ellie joined Coronation Street in 2011 as the adoptive daughter of Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) and featured in dramatic storylines, including giving birth at age 12 and an on-off relationship with PC Craig Tinker (Colson Smith). After leaving the soap in 2023, she won Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Vito Coppola and later appeared in a touring production of Cluedo 2 as a last-minute replacement for fellow Corrie star Helen Flanagan.
Recently, Ellie starred in the third series of The Good Ship Murder alongside Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward, playing Mimi McQueen.
Ellie has previously spoken about the challenges of growing up with soap fame. In 2023, she said: "It's very scary, don't get me wrong, I've met some amazing people through this job. I would never have had the opportunities that I've had if it weren't for Coronation Street. But it's hard, being young."
She has also praised her time on Strictly with Vito Coppola. Despite fan speculation about a romance, both have denied any romantic ties. Reflecting on their journey, Ellie said: "The days after were very emotional. My time at Strictly was life-changing, and to have the bond and friendship I made with Vito was amazing. It's the sort of friendship I'll cherish for the rest of my life. I'm very lucky and grateful for the experience."
Despite getting matching bee tattoos, Ellie and Vito insist they are just good friends. "From the moment we met, we just clicked," she said, adding that they message every day and she now regards him as an extended family member.
