Ellie Goldstein Dazzles Strictly, Shatters Expectations
It’s always a special kind of magic when someone truly shines, isn’t it? And this season of Strictly Come Dancing has certainly given us a star to behold in Ellie Goldstein. Watching her samba to Dance The Night from the Barbie movie last week, dressed as Disco Barbie in a sparkling silver jumpsuit, was nothing short of dazzling. The energy she brought to the dancefloor, earning her and her partner Vito their highest score yet, was palpable. It's easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour, but Ellie’s journey is so much more profound.
As her devoted mother Yvonne shared in an interview with HELLO!, there were times when the future looked very different. Doctors once suggested Ellie, who has Down's syndrome, might never walk or talk. Imagine the weight of that news. Yet, Yvonne and her husband chose to focus on raising Ellie as, well, Ellie, putting the diagnosis aside and letting her determined personality take the lead. And shine it did. By 18 months she was walking, speaking by three, and reading by school age. Her dream, she’d expressed back in 2023, was to be on Strictly, not in the audience, but on the dancefloor itself. Seeing that dream realized is incredibly heartwarming.
This isn't just about a fantastic performance; it’s about representation too. Ellie's Barbie routine held a special significance, as she was chosen as the UK ambassador for the first Barbie doll based on a person with Down's syndrome. She described how her heart melted seeing a doll that looked like her, a moment that left her, for once, lost for words. And the judges clearly felt it too. Motsi Mabuse noted how Ellie puts her heart on the dancefloor, making everyone happy, while Cynthia Erivo praised her confidence and musicality. Even Anton Du Beke called her sensational.
What’s particularly lovely to see is the bond between Ellie and her professional partner, Vito Coppola. Strictly fans have been flooding social media, with many claiming Vito is the perfect fit for Ellie, a truly gifted teacher who just "gets" her. It's a partnership that radiates warmth and mutual respect. Amidst all the exciting routines, from KPop inspired tracks to movie themes, Ellie’s presence is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when talent, determination, and unwavering support come together. Her story is truly inspiring, making this season of Strictly feel even more special. As Ellie continues to conquer the dancefloor, what other barriers do you think she'll help break down?
As her devoted mother Yvonne shared in an interview with HELLO!, there were times when the future looked very different. Doctors once suggested Ellie, who has Down's syndrome, might never walk or talk. Imagine the weight of that news. Yet, Yvonne and her husband chose to focus on raising Ellie as, well, Ellie, putting the diagnosis aside and letting her determined personality take the lead. And shine it did. By 18 months she was walking, speaking by three, and reading by school age. Her dream, she’d expressed back in 2023, was to be on Strictly, not in the audience, but on the dancefloor itself. Seeing that dream realized is incredibly heartwarming.
This isn't just about a fantastic performance; it’s about representation too. Ellie's Barbie routine held a special significance, as she was chosen as the UK ambassador for the first Barbie doll based on a person with Down's syndrome. She described how her heart melted seeing a doll that looked like her, a moment that left her, for once, lost for words. And the judges clearly felt it too. Motsi Mabuse noted how Ellie puts her heart on the dancefloor, making everyone happy, while Cynthia Erivo praised her confidence and musicality. Even Anton Du Beke called her sensational.
What’s particularly lovely to see is the bond between Ellie and her professional partner, Vito Coppola. Strictly fans have been flooding social media, with many claiming Vito is the perfect fit for Ellie, a truly gifted teacher who just "gets" her. It's a partnership that radiates warmth and mutual respect. Amidst all the exciting routines, from KPop inspired tracks to movie themes, Ellie’s presence is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when talent, determination, and unwavering support come together. Her story is truly inspiring, making this season of Strictly feel even more special. As Ellie continues to conquer the dancefloor, what other barriers do you think she'll help break down?
