Ellie 'hurt' by rumours

As Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier step out together, a source tells new how hurtful comments have caused upset

- Isobel Pankhurst

Just days after appearing on the red carpet together at the Hadestown musical press night, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier have been hit with claims that their relationship is “fake” and is purely a “PR stunt”.

Ellie, 22, and Bobby, 20, struck up a close friendship while taking part in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing. During this time, both soap stars hit the headlines over relationships with their professional dance partners. Bobby publicly declared his “love” for Dianne Buswell, and rumours circulated that Ellie and Italian pro Vito Coppola had embarked on a romance while dancing together.

However, after the show came to an end and the celebs and dance professionals embarked on the Strictly live tour, rumours quickly began spreading that it was actually Ellie and Bobby’s friendship that had taken a romantic turn.

The pair have been snapped more than once looking like a loved-up young couple – but some fans are sceptical about their relationship, with some even accusing the stars of “faking” it to raise their profiles and boost their career opportunities.

One online comment said, “They both want the limelight and this is how they can do it… another showmance.” Others have suggested they both used “fake showmances” during their time on Strictly and are now following the same pattern.