Former Strictly Come Dancing star and British Paralympian Ellie Simmonds has revealed she is spending the lead-up to Christmas in hospital. 

Simmonds took part in the 2022 series of Strictly - which was won by wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin - partnered up with professional Nikita Kuzmin. 

The former swimmer made it through to week seven of the BBC dancing show before being eliminated. 

Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Simmonds reveals she's in hospital

Simmonds took to Instagram ahead of the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday (December 16) to reveal to her 117,000 followers she was in hospital.

Dorset Echo: Ellie Simmonds revealed she was in hospital through her Instagram story.Ellie Simmonds revealed she was in hospital through her Instagram story. (Image: Ellie Simmonds/Instagram)

The former Strictly contestant, on her Instagram story, said: "Never would of thought spent days in December and lead up to Christmas in hospital. 

"Huge thank you to all the nurses, doctors and staff at the Walsall Manor NHS Hospital for looking after me. X."

The post also showed a picture of her arm with what looked to be a drip attached to it.

Simmonds did not reveal why she was in hospital.

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The 2022 cast of Strictly Come Dancing also featured the likes of Fleur East, Molly Rainford, Matt Goss and Helen Skelton. 

The 2023 series of Strictly comes to an end tonight (Saturday, December 16) as Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and Ellie Leach all battle it out for the Glitterball Trophy.

The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 7pm on Saturday, December 16.