28 October 2023 , 12:24
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Strictly Come Dancing Ellie Simmons has split up from her childhood sweetheart.
The Paralympic swimmer has reportedly called time on her relationship with her partner Matt Dean. It's been said in the past that the pair have known each other since they were toddlers and have been together a number of years but have decided to break up.
The couple are said to be on good terms with each other still. Ellie and Matt tended to keep their relationship out of the spotlight, despite Ellie being a household name and becoming even more popular when she appeared on Strictly last year.
Ellie was on 2022's Strictly (PA)
Ellie has split from her boyfriend (Getty Images)The Sun reported that a source said: "Ellie and Matt have sadly split but it was amicable on both sides and there remains a lot of love there. They preferred to keep their relationship out of the public eye and it was the same with the break up, but both are doing OK."
Ellie retired from professional sports in 2021, with she and Matt buying a house together last year. She also said that she would like to have children in the future.
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Since then she has kept herself busy by being in her documentary Finding My Secret Family and competing in 2022's Strictly Come Dancing. At the time she credited former boyfriend Matt for encouraging her to do the popular dance competition show.
Matt supported Ellie during her time on the show (BBC)She said: "‘I was like shall I, shall I not. Then I spoke to my other half Matt, and he was like 'go for it Ellie, take that leap of faith, you don’t know unless you try.' Now I’m so happy I said yes. As soon as I did we were bouncing around the kitchen like yay! Like little buzzing bees."
At the time she laughed off Strictly curse rumours saying: "It’s just about dancing isn’t it and having fun. Yes you’re close with [your dance partner] and you get to know them and they’re so funny. But no, it’s just amazing to be part of it."
While on the show Ellie was partnered up with Nikita Kuzmin and the pair went far in the series. They ended up being eliminated in week seven of the competition after a dance off against Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
She recently opened up to The Mirror that she was excited for Nikita to be paired up with Layton Williams this year but that she is sad to not be competing herself. She said: "Do you know what, it’s like I’m so happy for them – Nikita’s got Layton and I’m rooting for them all the way, I hope they win. Their first dance on Saturday night was phenomenal.
"But, also, it’s a bit like, ‘Oh I want it to be me again’, so I’ve got a bit of excitement that I’m watching it but also sad that I’m not… yeah I’m like on board with the nerves and everything they’re going through and all the hair, the makeup, the whole department behind the scenes. It’s like a family and to see Nikita dance with someone else I’m like ‘Ohh’ but I’m so joyous as well because he’s got Layton who is phenomenal."