Helen backs Ellie against trolls

As her confidence is knocked by cruel trolling, Strictly winner Ellie Leach is being supported by her pal Helen Flanagan, a source tells new

- Isobel Pankhurst

She may have lifted the Glitterball Trophy on Strictly last year, with Italian pro, and now BFF, Vito Coppola by her side - but it's not all been rosy for rising star Ellie Leach.

The 22-year-old's newfound success, as she has sadly discovered, has also come with its dark side.

Ellie has encountered some horrific trolling, with many of the cruel comments taking aim at the former Coronation Street actress' appearance.

Trolls have been particularly mean about the star's forehead, which some have cruelly described as being "large." As she struggles with the backlash, Ellie has received a morale boost from her fellow ex-Corrie star and pal, Helen Flanagan. In fact, Ellie is set to take over Helen's role as Miss Scarlett in the touring production of the play Cluedo 2.

A source has told new, "Helen has been through it all herself - and reached out to Ellie personally to support her. She's been a tower of strength for Ellie - telling her to rise above it all, and that she will get through this." Over the past few years, mum-of three Helen has dealt with her share of online trolls. Social media users have seen fit to comment unnecessarily on everything from her looks to her career, and even her parenting.

Despite Helen's support and friendship, however, it seems Ellie has been finding it difficult to deal with. The source added, "This is all very hard for Ellie to ignore because it does hurt. You'd need the skin of a rhino for it not to.