Strictly star Ellie Simmonds has admitted it took some convincing for her to take part in the show after having ‘genuine fears’ over the inevitable height difference. The 4ft Paralympic swimmer said her anxieties were eased when she was partnered with 24-year-old Ukrainian dance pro Nikita Kuzmin and now feels confident they can make it work. Speaking exclusively to OK!, Ellie said: “I met with the Strictly team and made sure that I was going to be comfortable because of the height difference.