Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach has landed her first on-screen acting role in hit Channel 5 drama
Jordan Lloyd Beck and Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
14:00, 06 Jan 2026
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach has opened up about the “most challenging” aspect of her latest television venture.
The 24-year-old, who became a household name portraying Faye Windass for more than a decade before departing in 2023, has secured her first screen acting role since leaving ITV’s beloved soap.
Ellie, who triumphed on Strictly Come Dancing following her Coronation Street exit and subsequently appeared in a touring production of Cluedo 2 as a last-minute stand-in for fellow Corrie alumna Helen Flanagan, will now portray the “sassy” Mimi McQuinn in Channel 5’s drama The Good Ship Murder, which makes its return on Tuesday evening.
Ellie Leach shot to fame on Coronation Street and then won Strictly Come Dancing(Image: ITV)READ MORE: Coronation Street Shona’s link to Corriedale mystery woman Jodie revealedREAD MORE: Coronation Street Andy Whyment’s emotional relationship update with rarely-seen wife
In a fresh Instagram video, she explained: “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.”
The comments beneath Ellie’s Instagram post were awash with encouragement from her showbiz colleagues. Colson Smith, who portrayed Faye’s on-and-off love interest Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, penned: “Yeyyyyy! Go on Ellie,” whilst Angela Scanlon, who shared the Strictly dance floor with Ellie, responded with a string of clapping hands emojis.
The crime drama has broadcast two series and a Christmas special thus far, featuring Catherine Tydlesley, who recently returned to Coronation Street as Rovers Return landlady Eva Price, and X Factor champion Shayne Ward, who previously portrayed her fiancé Aidan Connor on the soap.
The Good Ship Murder also features Coronation Street stars Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward
Ellie remained a mainstay of Coronation Street from 2011 until 2023, having been brought in as the adoptive daughter of Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) and becoming embroiled in countless major storylines throughout the years, reports the Mirror.
Most significantly, the character became pregnant at just 12 years old and concealed it from her family until she was compelled to reveal the truth whilst going into labour above the corner shop. She christened the baby after pop icon Miley Cyrus but subsequently sent her to live with her father, a school friend, and his family when they relocated to Canada.
Subsequently, Faye embarked on a relationship with ill-fated Seb Franklin, who fell victim to murder, and received a diagnosis of premature menopause.
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Ultimately, Faye’s daughter came back alongside her father Jackson and they all relocated to Slough together. However, in reality, despite her Strictly triumph, Ellie maintained a low profile on television screens and earlier this year, she chose to sell clothing on marketplace app Vinted for as little as £4.
Ellie was left heartbroken when soap executives declared they could “see no future for the character” and had previously spoken candidly about her employment circumstances. Ellie disclosed she was planning an international getaway despite being “unemployed”.
She posted: “Working lunch (we are booking a holiday),” alongside a snap of her mate and added: “She’s a student and I’m unemployed.”
However, the actress fuelled rumours she was working on something fresh when she began sharing updates from Malta.
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola won Strictly Come Dancinv in 2023(Image: PA)
Ellie has previously opened up about the “very hard” challenges of growing up in the spotlight with soap stardom. 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 gushed about her stint on Strictly, where she was paired with professional dancer Vito Coppola. Though their connection led to romance rumours amongst viewers, both firmly rejected any romantic involvement.
Looking back on their experience, Ellie revealed the show’s transformative effect on her, saying: “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 maintain they are simply close mates. “From the moment we met, we just clicked,” she explained, revealing that she now considers Vito as family and that they “message every day.”
The Good Ship Murder airs on Tuesday at 9pm on CHannel 5
