Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach is about to appear on screen in her first new role since quitting the part of Faye Windass on the ITV soap almost three years ago
12:24, 06 Jan 2026
Ellie Leach shot to fame on Coronation Street and then won Strictly Come Dancing(Image: ITV)
Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach has revealed the “most challenging” part of her new television role. The actress, 24, made her name playing Faye Windass for over a decade but left in 2023 and has now landed her first on-screen acting job since quitting ITV’s flagship soap.
Ellie, who won Strictly Come Dancing shortly after leaving Coronation Street and then went on to appear in in a touring production of Cluedo 2 as a last-minute replacement for fellow Corrie star Helen Flanagan but will now be playing the part of “sassy” Mimi McQuinn in Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder, which returns on Tuesday night.
Speaking in a new video posted to Instagram, she said: “She’s not like anyone I’ve played before. Hello, I’m Ellie Leach and I am playing Mimi McQuinn. She’s very sassy, she’s giving boss and I loved it. She’s quite rude to people, so maybe that was the most challenging part. That’s also the most fun part. Deep down, she is quite a nice, normal person but this whole persona of being a star really comes out and I think that’s what I loved most about her character.”
READ MORE: Corriedale’s Daniel Brocklebank breaks silence as he’s brutally killed off after 11 yearsREAD MORE: What happens next after Corriedale? ITV soap spoilers reveal all including arrest and death(Image: PA)
In the comments section of her Instagram post, Ellie was flooded with support from her pals from the industry. Colson Smith, who played Faye’s on/off boyfriend Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, wrote: “Yeyyyyy! Go on Ellie,” whilst Angela Scanlon, who competed alongside Ellie on Strictly, left series of clapping hands emojis.
The crime drama has so far aired two series and a Christmas special, and stars Catherine Tydlesley, who recently made a return to Coronation Street as Rovers Return landlady Eva Price, and X Factor winner Shayne Ward, who previously played her fiancé Aidan Connor on the soap. Ellie was a fixture of Coronation Street from 2011 until 2023, having been introduced as the adoptive daughter of Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) and was involved in numerous high-profile storylines over the years.
Most notably, the character fell pregnant at the age of 12 and kept it all a secret from her family until she was forced to reveal the truth as she went into labour in the flat above the corner shop. She named the little one after pop star Miley Cyrus but later sent her to live with her dad, a classmate, and his family when they emigrated to Canada. Later on, Faye had a relationship with tragic Seb Franklin, who became the victim of murder, and was diagnosed with premature menopause.
In the end, Faye’s daughter returned along with her dad Jackson and they all moved to Slough together. But in real life, despite her Strictly success , Ellie kept a low profile on TV screens and earlier this year, she decided to flog clothes on selling app Vinted for as little as £4. Ellie was left devastated when soap bosses said they could “see no future for the character” and previously opened up on her work situation.
The Good Ship Murder also features Coronation Street stars Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward
Ellie revealed she was heading on an overseas trip but was “unemployed”. She wrote: “Working lunch (we are booking a holiday),” alongside a photo of her pal and added: “She’s a student and I’m unemployed.” But the actress sparked speculation she was working on something new when she was sharing updates from Malta.
Ellie has previously spoken out about the “very hard” struggles of growing up with soap fame. Speaking 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, where she was partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola. Although their chemistry sparked speculation of a love affair among fans, both categorically denied any romantic ties. Reflecting on their journey, Ellie shared the profound impact the show had on her, stating: “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 both getting matching bee tattoos, Ellie and Vito insist they are merely good friends. “From the moment we met, we just clicked,” she said, sharing that she now regards Vito as an extended family member and that they “message every day.”
Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
