PARALYMPIC athlete Ellie Simmonds knows about pushing herself to her limits, but even she’s feeling the pressure of the Strictly Come Dancing training schedule.
The 27-year-old swimmer, who has dwarfism, has been performing in this year’s BBC dance competition with Ukranian professional Nikita Kuzmin, and together they have become firm faves for those watching at home.
Nikita and Ellie have been storming the competition each week
Ellie and Nikita made an appearance at today’s Pride of Britain Awards
However, Ellie has definitely found the exhaustive training sessions a little much, so much so that Nikita filmed her two weeks ago having a hysterical laughing fit as she lay on the floor while trying to correct her posture.
Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Ellie admitted training was “tougher than expected” and said: “We’re training like 9am until 6pm… we’re pushing our bodies – I’m aching all over. You can see I’ve got a massive bruise there.”
She joked that some of the bruises were from her “being a bit clumsy”, but added: “I think the body, and just the tiredness and the exhaustion… I’ve been giving everything to Strictly. I’m feeling muscles that I’ve never felt before.”
In the most recent episode of Strictly, Ellie and Nikita lived to fight another day after a performance to The Apprentice theme song. The Paso Doble was well-received by viewers, who largely panned the episode and its bizarre song choices as part of the BBC’s Centenary celebrations.
Unfortunately, Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer were axed after facing a dance-off against Molly Rainford.
This week will be a Halloween special, where another couple will be sent home.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
The giggling couple have been known for their upbeat routines together
Ellie has been keeping positive amid the series pressure
