Strictly’s a dream come true, says Essex’s Ellie Goldstein

Ellie Goldstein says collaborating in Strictly Come Dancing “is a dream come true”.

The actor and mannequin – the primary particular person with Down’s syndrome to grace the duvet of British Vogue – is a long-standing fan of the present.

And she says she is “over the moon” to be starring within the newest season, the place she is paired with Vito Coppola, 33, who first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 as a choreographer.

“Strictly is a dream come true. I’ve wanted to do Strictly – here I am, I am doing it,” stated Goldstein, 23, from Essex.

As the present strikes on to week three, she described the expertise as a “10 out of 10” and stated she loved dancing along with her “patient” companion.

Goldstein stated she had even been having fun with the coaching.

The actress took to social media, posting in regards to the assist and love she has been getting.

“I have Down’s syndrome, but it doesn’t define me, not even close,” stated Goldstein.

“It’s actually the least interesting thing about me.”

She instructed BBC Look East: “I think any person like me should be happy and go out there with confidence.”

Coppola stated: “This week has been very intense and because it is movie week, we are doing samba from the movie Barbie.

“So we have now to channel [the] Barbie character and Ken character and we’re going to be a really upbeat samba Barbie.”

He added: “We are very grateful and so many individuals are exhibiting like to us.

“We always want to bring so much joy and smiles and happiness to everyone.”

Goldstein made her appearing debut in 2025 as Nancy within the CBBC collection Malory Towers.

She has appeared in documentaries together with Channel 4’s New Model Agency, featured in campaigns for Gucci and Adidas and been photographed for magazines together with Glamour and Elle.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One at 18:05 BST on Saturday.