Strictly star Ellie Simmonds’ ‘sadness’ as she gives verdict on Nikita’s partner

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Simmonds has given her verdict on previous dance partner Nikita Kuzmin’s new pairing. Ellie and Nikita formed a close bond last year when they danced in the BBC competition together, finishing in tenth place. This year, Nikita is paired up with Bad Education actor and musical theatre star Layton Williams , who has already been wowing audiences with his dazzling dance moves. While Ellie revealed that she is backing the new pairing, she also expressed her ‘sadness’ in an interview with the Mirror . The Paralympic gold medalist gushed over the ‘phenomenal’ pair, while also admitting her disappointment that she couldn’t compete in the series again this year. Ellie and Nikita danced together last year (Image: BBC) She said: “Do you know what, it’s like I’m so happy for them – Nikita’s got Layton and I’m rooting for them all the way, I hope they win. Their first dance on Saturday night was phenomenal. “But, also, it’s a bit like, ‘Oh I want it to be me again’, so I’ve got a bit of excitement that I’m watching it but also sad that I’m not… ‘Yeah, I’m like on board with the nerves and everything they’re going through and all the hair, the makeup, the whole department behind the scenes. Nikita is partnered up with Layton this year (Image: BBC) ‘It’s like a family and to see Nikita dance with someone else I’m like ‘Ohh’ but I’m so joyous as well because he’s got Layton who is phenomenal.” She also said of her former dance partner: “Nikita clicks with everyone, that’s him. He did a good job with me last year and Tilly the year before. He keeps shining each year.” While Ellie and Nikita impressed audiences with their moves last series, they ended up being eliminated in week seven of the competition following a dance-off against eventual finalists Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu. Last night, Nikita and Layton impressed the judges with their Quickstep to Puttin’ on the Ritz by Gregory Porter. They also wowed audiences in week one with their Samba to Touch by Little Mix, earning a total of 65 points over the course of two weeks, which makes them the frontrunners of the competition so far. Strictly Come Dancing: The Results airs tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.