Coronation Street’s Faye Windass star Ellie Leach reveals ‘very hard’ struggles of growing up with soap fame
ELLIE Leach is closing a huge chapter of her life as she's due to leave the cobbles after more than a decade as Faye Windass.
But growing up in Coronation Street hasn't been easy for the actress and she recalled her struggles with fame during a chat with The Sun.
The 22-year-old actress is moving on from Weatherfield in upcoming weeks after finding fame on ITV.
Her character Faye Windass is due for an explosive exit involving some shocking twists and turns involving betrayal, blackmail and heartbreak.
Speaking to The Sun and other press, Ellie opened up about her time in the Manchester-based soap as "the best years" of her life.
"It's been the best experience. I can't thank everyone here enough. Everyone's always made me feel so welcome. It's just been so lovely. I've honestly loved it. It's been the best years of my life."
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But while she keeps a positive memory of her stint in Corrie, she admitted that her years on the soap had their scary moments, particularly as growing up in the public eye made her an easy target for criticism.
"It's very scary", Ellie revealed, "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."
Ellie's mother, Karen, learned quickly she would have to protect her famous daughter from any ill-intentioned viewer.
And what better way to do that than restrict Ellie's access to social media, where harsh comments and hateful remarks are rife?
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"I was never allowed social media accounts or she would look after them for me", Ellie explained.
"People say 'don't read what people write or say about you' and it's alright saying that but it's another thing actually not doing it."
"Probably not anymore because I don't really care but when I was a bit younger, you are self-conscious so when people say things that aren't really nice, it's like: 'oh, that's not very kind.'"
But through the many followers she notably (over 205k!), Ellie found the support she needed and "amazing people" came through with their well-wishes.
"There's been amazing people, comments and support. I couldn't thank people enough for that. It's amazing but it's also very hard."
Ellie's fans weren't the only ones supporting her stardom as many of her co-stars, from the well-established Sally Dynevor to her on-screen partner and "best mate" Colson Smith, encouraged her through the tough time.
Joining the line-up as a schoolgirl, she also had the privilege of working with a family member.
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While they rarely shared scenes together, Ellie was bolstered by the presence of her cousin, former Sophie Webster actress Brooke Vincent.
"She wasn't that much older than me but she did look after me", Ellie remembered.
"I felt so much more comfortable knowing she was around, even if I didn't work with her that much at the start."
"I didn't have to see her all the time but knowing she was in the building and knowing I could go to her, it was just so comforting to have her there."
Brooke Vincent left the soap in 2019 after fifteen years just as she was about to give birth to her first son, Mexx.
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At the time, she claimed she had no immediate plans to return to the show and has since welcomed a second son named Monroe with her fiancé Kean Bryan.
Meanwhile, Coronation Street continues to air every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.
