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Ellie Goldstein: Strictly History Maker Addresses Viewer Concern After Debut The model and actress Ellie Goldstein has captured national attention after making history as the first celebrity contestant with Down syndrome to compete in the main series of the BBC's flagship programme, Strictly Come Dancing. Her participation has been widely lauded by disability advocates as a powerful moment for representation on mainstream television. Paired with professional dancer Vito Coppola, Goldstein delivered her first live performance, a Cha-cha-cha, last Saturday, sparking an outpouring of support, alongside a brief but notable wave of concern from viewers regarding her on-stage demeanour following the judges’ critique. The 23-year-old has since publicly reassured the audience that she was "absolutely fine," clarifying that any visible watery eyes were purely a physical reaction to a long day of intense training. Goldstein’s move to the ballroom marks the latest milestone in a career defined by breaking boundaries. Prior to joining the Class of 2025, she had established herself as a pioneering figure in the global fashion industry. In 2020, she became the first model with Down syndrome to front a major campaign for luxury brand Gucci Beauty. This was swiftly followed by her appearance on the cover of British Vogue, cementing her status as a high-profile advocate for greater inclusivity and visible difference in media. Her extensive portfolio also includes collaborations with major sportswear and lifestyle brands, as well as an acting role in the BBC children’s series Malory Towers. The journey onto the Strictly dancefloor, however, presents unique challenges, requiring intense physical training and the mastery of highly technical Latin and Ballroom routines.
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Goldstein and her partner, Coppola, have openly discussed the adaptive teaching methods employed to ensure she can fully engage with the rigorous demands of the show. During their debut performance of the Cha-cha-cha, which scored 17 points, the judges acknowledged the difficulty of the task. Judge Anton Du Beke praised the technical strength of the performance, noting, “We could work on your feet but your timing was exquisite. ” Conversely, Craig Revel Horwood described the routine as "flat-footed" but commended her "natural rhythm. " Head judge Shirley Ballas was also generous with her praise, gifting Goldstein a fan inscribed with the word ‘Fabulous’ in recognition of her positive attitude. It was immediately following the scoring that some viewers took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express worry, having observed Goldstein’s eyes appearing wet while she was being comforted by fellow contestants. The concern quickly gained traction, prompting the celebrity to issue a public statement to address the speculation directly. “Just a little note: sometimes my eyes get watery after a long day – I promise I'm not upset!” she wrote on her official social media pages. She went on to convey her joy and enthusiasm for the experience, adding, “Dancing on this stage makes me feel strong, sassy, confident, and completely myself – I'm loving every single minute!” This public clarification underscored a point Goldstein has consistently championed throughout her career: the necessity of looking beyond her diagnosis. In her response, she concluded with a powerful statement intended to redirect the focus onto her talent and ambition: “Yes, I have Down syndrome, but it doesn't define me.
Not even close. It's actually the least interesting thing about me. ” Goldstein’s involvement continues the BBC’s recent trajectory of promoting greater disability representation within the format of Strictly Come Dancing. Her participation follows the groundbreaking appearance of Olympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, who has dwarfism, and the triumph of actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show's first deaf contestant, who won the competition in 2021. The series has become a significant cultural platform for challenging preconceived notions about what disabled people can achieve. Media analysts suggest that the effect of this inclusion extends far beyond entertainment ratings. "A prime-time Saturday night show watched by millions offers an unparalleled opportunity for normalisation," commented Dr. Sarah Vane, a specialist in broadcast media and cultural studies at the University of London. "When a participant like Ellie Goldstein is shown thriving, overcoming challenges, and being judged on the same merits as her peers, it subtly shifts public perception of ability and talent across the board. " Leading disability charities have also welcomed her role.
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Mencap, of which Goldstein is a ‘Myth Buster’ ambassador, stated: “We are so proud to see our Myth Buster Ellie revealed as a celebrity dancer for this year’s Strictly. Ellie has never been afraid to push boundaries, and this is just another way to show what people with a learning disability can achieve with the right support. ” Similarly, the Down’s Syndrome Association Chief Executive, Carol Boys, called her casting “a wonderful recognition of her hard work,” noting the importance for other people who have Down syndrome to see representatives in such high-profile programmes. As the competition moves into its second week, all eyes remain on the dancefloor. Goldstein's journey, irrespective of how far she progresses, has already made an indelible mark on the show’s legacy and on wider British culture. Her narrative serves as a reminder of the value of visibility and the power of high-stakes, inclusive entertainment to drive societal change. The focus now returns to the rehearsal rooms and the upcoming performance, where Goldstein and Coppola will attempt to build on their opening routine and avoid the season’s first public vote elimination.
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