BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach's message as 'best mate' Colson Smith joins Celebrity Big Brother

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Ellie Leach was quick to show her support for Colson Smith as he was seen entering the Celebrity Big Brother house. The Coronation Street star was among the famous faces revealed as having signed up for the first CBB in six years.

Colson, who is famed for playing PC Craig Tinker in the ITV soap, entered the iconic camera-filled compound alongside the likes of Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin, broadcaster and author Fern Britton and former The X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.

And following the launch show, which saw the celebrities introduce themselves in pre-recorded clips before entering the house live, it is Colson who has emerged as the early favourite to win the whole series. READ MORE: Celebrity Big Brother fans 'minds blown' by Colson Smith detail as he confirms length of Coronation Street break Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link After he supported Ellie week in and week out, the Strictly Come Dancing winner was quick to return the favour when he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Sharing the clip of Colson's introduction video to her Instagram Story, Ellie, who played Colson's on-screen girlfriend Faye Windass in Corrie having grown up in the show until her exit last May, said: "Can't wait for you all to see my best mate," alongside a string of red love hearts.