Ellie Simmonds targeted by online trolls after Strictly debut
Strictly: Ellie and Nikita speak after their first performance
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The 27-year-old said she felt sad after she took to the dancefloor with Strictly Come Dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin on Saturday night. Despite wowing the judges, Ellie has since been targeted online about her appearance, after admitting in an interview the criticism gets to her.
The duo scored an impressive 26 points on Saturday night after they performed the Cha Cha Cha.
The Paralympic swimmer, who has achondroplasia dwarfism which causes a normal-sized torso and short limbs, admitted she was worried about being trolled ahead of her performance.
“I’ve had it already,” Ellie explained when asked about online comments.
“Some people have said, ‘How’s the dwarf going to dance?'”
“It’s sad and it does get to you,” the Strictly star added to The Sun.
Viewers have also taken to social media to defend Ellie, praising the star for her stunning performance.
One user said: “What kind of sick human are you to have a go at Ellie Simmonds?
“Making history taking part in Strictly and people abusing her? She’s putting herself out of her comfort zone, don’t hate just appreciate. You keep going Ellie we are right behind you. #Strictly #Ellie #EllieSimmonds.”
Millie praised: “Ellie was so good and sassy! Really brought the attitude.”
While Shirleigh added: “Oh my gosh I love Ellie and Nikita! She did a fabulous job!”
Strictly fans weren’t the only ones who loved their performance, as judge Shirley Ballas gave the duo a standing ovation.
Ellie was beaming after their first dance, asking Tess Daly: “Can we do it again?”
“I thought it was marvellous,” Anton du Beke praised. “What a great performance.
“The thing I loved most about it, you came off the lounger there and you powered across the floor.
“Your side-by-side work was great, your timing is excellent. I thought it was a great performance, well done you!”
Craig Revel Horwood also praised Ellie, telling her it was: “Fantastic.”
Former Strictly star James Jordan also sparked a backlash from fans after he commented on Ellie and Nikita’s performance.
The ballroom dancer told Ellie she needed to “straighten” her legs more.
He tweeted at the time: “Ellie! I b****y loved it! Well done Nikita – a full-on routine – great timing and fun. She needs to try and consciously straighten her legs as much as possible.
“Loved the tricks BUT she needs to believe in herself now. Apart from that it was great and she’s an inspiration #5.” (sic)
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