Ellie Goldstein, a 23-year-old Jewish model, actress, and social media personality, has been announced as the ninth official contestant for the 23rd season of the popular British television show "Strictly Come Dancing." This makes her the first contestant with Down Syndrome in the program's history and creates a historic breakthrough in entertainment and public representation spaces.
Trailblazing model, actor and influencer Ellie Goldstein is the latest celebrity contestant joining #Strictly Come Dancing's Class of 2025.
She was announced on #BBCBreakfast and was clear who she would like as her dance partnerhttps://t.co/EgWLTXe9I6 pic.twitter.com/COgc0JjTkc
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 13, 2025
Goldstein, born in Ilford, East London, grew up in a traditional Jewish family and proudly maintains her identity while emphasizing the importance of tradition in her life. Her home regularly celebrates Jewish holidays, lights Shabbat candles every Friday, and observes Hanukkah with singing and lighting holiday candles, traditions she describes as particularly beloved to her. She describes her family as "tight-knit and strong" and as an unwavering support base throughout her professional journey.
Ellie was born in 2001 with Down Syndrome, and at five months old, underwent complex heart surgery lasting ten hours. Contrary to grim medical forecasts that cast doubt regarding her ability to walk or speak, she learned to walk at 18 months, speak at age 3, and read before starting school. As a child, she set extensive goals in performing arts, including drama and dance training, that led her to significant performances, including a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
Her modeling career began when she joined the "Zebedee" agency at age 15, which represents models with disabilities and unique visual characteristics. She photographed for Superdrug's Christmas campaign in 2018 and has since accumulated multiple appearances on London Fashion Week runways.
In 2023, at age 21, she made history by becoming the first model with Down Syndrome to star on the cover of Vogue magazine's British edition. Subsequently, she participated in prominent campaigns for brands such as "Victoria's Secret," "Adidas," and "Gucci," with one of the most memorable highlight moments being in a Gucci campaign under the slogan "Unconventional Beauty," which received significant attention on social media and became the brand's most discussed Instagram post.
Following her fashion industry influence, Ellie launched the first Down Syndrome Barbie doll inspired by her with "Mattel" and published her autobiography "Against All Odds: My Life with Down Syndrome," describing her journey from personal struggle to global breakthrough. Additionally, she participates as an actress in "Malory Towers," the BBC's historical drama series.
Her participation in "Strictly Come Dancing" has received extensive coverage and praise from both media and human rights organizations, with her viewed as a symbol for breaking social conventions and expanding representation of people with disabilities in media and entertainment spaces. "I'm over the moon," she said upon announcing her participation. "This is a show I've loved watching for so long, and the opportunity to now be part of it feels like a dream. I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with all the sparkle and shine and create magic on the dance floor."
