Strictly legend mortified as episode she 'hoped would never be shown' airs

Former Strictly Come Dancing star and Coronation Street actress, Ellie Leach, recently appeared on a celebrity special of The Chase, but she confessed to her fans that she had hoped the episode "would never be shown". The TV personality joined famous teammates Karim Zeroual, Christopher Biggins and Des Clarke on the ITV quiz show, competing to raise funds for charity.

The Strictly champion took to her Instagram Story after the show aired to share her thoughts on the experience. She reposted a clip from the recent episode, originally shared by the show's official account, for her followers to see. Alongside a laughing emoji, Ellie penned: "Two years ago we filmed The Chase and I was hoping it would never be shown but little did I know it was on last night!" She also referenced a comment she made on the show, adding: "Hey Brad, how you doing?" The footage showed Ellie interacting with host Bradley Walsh, 64, after being asked a question during her face-off against Mark Labbett, 59, also known as the Beast.

Bradley posed the question: "Which of these are you said to be 'sliding into' when contacting someone privately on social media?" The three options provided were "RTs, "DMs" and "IGs".

Ellie confidently answered that it was DMs, with presenter Bradley responding: "You've put DMs. What does that mean?" She explained in response: "Direct messages."

Bradley was heard saying "okay" in reply to the contestant but the host sported a confused expression moments later.

Further addressing the topic, Ellie told him: "Like sliding into someone's DMs. Like ... I would slide into your DMs like 'hey Brad. How are you doing?" The audience were heard laughing, before Ellie added: "Maybe I wouldn't slide into your DMs."

Her remark prompted even more laughter from those in the studio. It was subsequently confirmed that Ellie had answered the question correctly, though Mark had done the same.

Earlier in the episode, Ellie had answered four questions correctly in her cash builder round. She had banked £4,000 but opted to take the low offer of £1,000 for the head-to-head, saying: "I would like to go for the four [thousand] but I think the way that I'm feeling now, I might go for the one [thousand]."

Ellie ended up making it through to the final alongside all three of her teammates. The celebrities however were caught by the chaser during the final, but Bradley announced that they would each leave with £1,000 for their chosen charity.