The superstar swimmer, 27, may have won five gold medals but nothing compared to stepping out on the famous BBC dancefloor, according to her proud mother and father.
Val and Steve Simmonds said their own fears were quickly extinguished as Ellie and dance partner Nikita Kuzmin lit up the studio, sending the audience into raptures.
Steve said: "Oh yes, we were nervous. Eleanor was very nervous too and she shared that feeling with us. So yes, we were apprehensive.
"We likened it to watching her 400m final in London 2012 - but a shorter time to hold our breath, although only just. We were blown away. We were on the edge of our seat, but from the minute she stepped off the lounger...wow!
This story is from the October 01, 2022 edition of Daily Express.
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This story is from the October 01, 2022 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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