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STRICTLY'S Ellie Simmonds has shared EXACTLY how the stars of the show are feeling right now before the second live show tonight.

The Paralympic swimmer took part in the twentieth series of the BBC dance competition last year.

Ellie Simmonds has opened up about what the celebrities will be feeling before Strictly
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Ellie Simmonds has opened up about what the celebrities will be feeling before StrictlyCredit: PA
Ellie announced her retirement in 2021
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Ellie announced her retirement in 2021Credit: AP

Ellie and her pro partner Nikita Kuzmin were the sixth pair to be eliminated from the competition.

Having gone through it all herself, the Paralympian spilled the beans on what is going through the celebrities minds right now.

Speaking to The Sun at GoCardless JustGiving Awards on Monday night, Ellie said: "Probably nerves because they're probably not wanting to be the first ones out."

She also shared some tips with Zara McDermott, Angela Rippon, Layton WilliamsNigel Harman, Ellie LeachAmanda Abbington, Les DennisAdam Thomas, Eddie KadiAngela Scanlon, Nikita KandaKrishnan Guru-Murthy, Annabel Croft, Jody Cundy and Bobby Brazier, ahead of their Strictly journey.

Read more on Strictly

Ellie added: "But for me, just enjoy every single second.

"Just enjoy every single second, take everything in and just learn from the pros.

"You've got some amazing pros teaching you to dance and you form such a great bond with them.

"You'll have a great friendship with them and just learn from them."

The next episode of Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 6.20pm on BBC One.

Ellie has had a very successful swimming career between the years of 2008 and 2016.

The star has won five gold medals at the Paralympic Games, eight at the World Championships, six at the World Championships (25m) and seven at the European Championships.

A year after Tokoyo 2020 Paralympics Ellie announced her retirement.

Since then Ellie has appeared in various TV shows including Strictly and Celebrity Gogglebox.

The star has revealed that she's done with reality television now and wants to focus on documentaries.

Ellie told us: "I've done my shows. I don't want to do anymore. I'd like to do more documentaries. I'm done with everything else."

When asked what about, she explained: "To be honest anything, but more about disability because it's my passion. I'd like to have more disability in the lime light."

Ellie was paired with Nikita last year
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Ellie was paired with Nikita last yearCredit: PA
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