In a surprising turn of events, former Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Simmonds has reportedly ended her long-term relationship with childhood sweetheart Matt Dean. The 28-year-old Paralympian, who participated in the popular dance show last year, had captured the audience’s hearts with her performances alongside professional dancer Nikita Kumzin.
Ellie and Nikita managed to reach the seventh week of the competition before their journey on Strictly Come Dancing came to an end. During her stint on the show, Ellie’s boyfriend Matt Dean was a constant presence in the audience, showing unwavering support for his partner as she showcased her dance moves on the stage. He even went the extra mile, preparing packed lunches for Ellie amid her hectic schedule.
The couple’s relationship had stood the test of time, having known each other since their toddler days. However, sources have revealed that they decided to part ways amicably during the summer. Speaking to The Sun, an insider disclosed, “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 breakup, but both are doing OK.”
Ellie Simmonds, a renowned Paralympic athlete, retired from professional sports in 2021 after an illustrious 13-year career at the Olympic level. Last year, she and Matt had taken a significant step forward in their relationship by purchasing a house together. Around the same time, Ellie expressed her desire to have children in the future, hinting at the depth of their relationship.
Despite the breakup, Ellie Simmonds has been keeping herself busy with various projects. Following her participation in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour earlier this year, she delved into the documentary realm, working on “Finding My Secret Family.” Additionally, she joined the media team at the World Swimming Championships, showcasing her versatile talents.
Ellie has also been on a series of solo travels, exploring destinations such as Australia and Bali, sharing glimpses of her adventures on her social media accounts. Her zest for life and positive attitude continue to inspire her followers.
When Ellie initially signed up for Strictly Come Dancing, she credited Matt for encouraging her to take the leap of faith. “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,'” she shared in an interview with The Sun. Despite the rumors of the so-called ‘Strictly curse,’ Ellie remained grounded, emphasizing that the experience was about dancing and having fun.
As Ellie Simmonds embarks on this new chapter in her life, her fans remain supportive, appreciating her resilience and positive spirit both on and off the dance floor.
