'It's been so hard keeping this secret as I've wanted to tell everyone. New Zealand PM says he wants the country to DITCH the British royals and become a republic - hours before ISIS leader is killed in raid carried out by Turkish military on abandoned Syrian farm used as an Islamic From Outnumbered to outcast? Ellie Simmonds was born on Friday, November 11, 1994, in Walsall, England, UK. Speaking to UK broadcaster Channel 4 after her final race in Japan, an emotional Simmonds shared the news: I think this [Tokyo 2020] is going to be my last., As a nine-year-old watching Athens 2004, to think as kid then I would not just go to one Games but to four Games, go to a home Paralympics, come away with eight Paralympic medals and being part of that Paralympic movement as well., So, I think for me this is going to be my last.. "Like dancing is for all, isn't it? What is Ellie Simmondss zodiac sign? ", Strictly is on Saturdays on BBC One and iPlayer, Queen revealed as avid Strictly Come Dancing fan in JJ Chalmers' lovely anecdote, Strictlys Gorka says daughter Mia will have a career in dancing: She never stops, Strictly star Stacey Dooley shows off growing baby bump after announcing pregnancy, Strictly Come Dancing fans given peak at 2022 ballroom as launch show filming begins, Get exclusive celebrity stories and shoots straight to your inbox with OK! } else { year: 365.25*1000*60*60*24, month: 30.41666667*1000*60*60*24, week: 7*1000*60*60*24, day: 1000*60*60*24, hour: 1000*60*60, minute: 1000*60, second: 1000, 'This is also my Mum's favourite show and she's had a really tough few years so I'm doing this is for her as well. var seconds = { The 27-year-old will be joining already announced stars Kym Marsh, Will Mellor, Richie Anderson and Jayde Adams on series 20 later this year. var show_zero = ! 'I'm going to have to cancel my legendary 'Strictly' launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I'm sure my friends and family will understand. 'My family and friends will support me and help me stay grounded. I think he was always asking me if I was going to do it, and he kept going on about it again over the next few months, and of course I've not spoken to him and I'll probably get a message later saying ''you never told me!''. What it's REALLY like being married to a healthy-eating fanatic: Dr Chris van Tulleken banned ready meals, More than 12 pubs, restaurants or bars shut EVERY DAY in Britain last year as rampant inflation and soaring Rishi Sunak could bring back Help to Buy as Tories try to spike Labour attack over home ownership ahead of Police fraud investigation into SNP 'probing whereabouts of 400,000 bequeathed in people's wills'. } else if(increment > 0) { ', Ellie says: 'To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it's going to so much fun. HowJock Zonfrillo overcame addiction to take Australia by storm after his death aged 46: Colourful British 'A waste of licence payers' money!' } On Thursday, the first two stars for Strictly were announced, with actor Will and soap favourite Kym joining the lineup. Ellie Simmonds OBE is one of the most recognised athletes in the para-swimming team as a result of her incredible performances and her tearful celebrations across four Paralympic Games. Ellie Simmonds Ellie's boyfriend is a big support to her, She's worried about being in the dance off. if(!large) { Ellie Simmonds !0; Theyve been together for a couple of years, until now keeping start2.setFullYear(today.getFullYear()); EXCLUSIVE: Strictly star Ellie Simmonds reveals she has a barrage of support behind her, including from boyfriend Matt, who she talks about to OK! Ive had a wonderful competition and Ive loved every minute of it., Theres no words to describe it. } According to the Chinese horoscope, Ellies zodiac animal is a Dog. In an emotional statement shared to his Instagram after their departure, Nikita wrote: "Didn't want to write this so early, but here we go Our Strictly journey came to an end. Simmonds, however, urged her protg not to be deterred: When I saw my record go, Ellie said straight away you can get it back, and that definitely helped.. Excitement is at an all time high for Strictly Come Dancing, with the Strictly 2022 contestants set to take to the dance floor once again later this month, including Ellie Simmonds. At London 2012 she held her nerve under the pressure of public expectation to secure 400m freestyle S6 and 200m individual medley SM6 golds as well as 100m freestyle S6 silver and 50m freestyle S6 bronze. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. ', Helen says: 'I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. It is a real honour.. } else { if(diff > 0) { var increment = 1 * '-1'; Im a tad nervous too, well more than a tad Im absolutely petrified! I think I first met her fully in 2013. Scorpio is one of the most enigmatic and secretive signs of the zodiac. How the child stars of BBC hit took VERY different paths since the show ended - Hooray for the return of the Sloane Ranger! My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started'. Don't have Ellie's footage, but cannot wait till you get to see her flight, its hilarious. Ellie Simmonds: A World Without Dwarfism? Ellie will be joining already announced stars Kym Marsh, Will Mellor, Richie Anderson and Jayde Adams on series 20 later this year. ", Ellie and Nikita were devastated to leave the competition. Ellie Simmonds