Ellie Goldstein makes history as Strictly Come Dancing's first contestant with Down syndrome

Ellie Goldstein is making history as Strictly Come Dancing’s first contestant with Down syndrome in the main series, a milestone that organizers say highlights the show's evolving commitment to representation in culture and entertainment. The 23-year-old model has been paired with pro Vito Coppola for the upcoming season and arrives amid strong early fan support, with Goldstein insisting the competition will offer a platform to demonstrate her abilities and inspire others with disabilities.

“Being the first contestant with Down syndrome in the main Strictly series gives me the chance to show everyone who I am, what I’ve achieved, and what I’m capable of,” Goldstein said ahead of the season’s live launch. “I hope I can be an inspiration to others watching at home – and most of all, I hope I make people smile and feel happy when they see me dancing.” The pairing with Coppola places her at the center of a show that blends sport, performance and broad public appeal as it enters a new season.

Goldstein’s public profile has grown across fashion and media. She has modeled for Gucci in campaigns tied to its Unconventional Beauty line and landed the cover of Italian Vogue in 2020, among other magazine features in Elle and Glamour. Her work has included promotions for Adidas, TK Maxx, The Body Shop, Boots and Spotify, and she has appeared in exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Her résumé also includes international shoots in Sweden, Italy and Germany and recent runways at London Fashion Week. Her success comes after early medical challenges many families face; when she was born, doctors warned she might never walk or talk, and a nurse once suggested her parents might consider leaving her at the hospital. Goldstein has since defied such expectations and built a career as a model and disability advocate.

The 2025 Strictly lineup features a broad mix of celebrities, many with prior dance experience. Amber Davies has joined the cast, replacing Dani Dyer after she fractured her ankle in rehearsals. Davies, a Love Island alum and West End-trained performer, will dance with Nikita Kuzmin. Others in the roster include Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who says he plans to bring energy to the ballroom, and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, who jokes about her hips “not lying.” Drag performer La Voix, reality star and entrepreneur Thomas Skinner, and former football pundit Karen Carney are among the other participants, along with George Clark, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lewis Cope, who recently swapped the Dales for the dance floor. Ellie Goldstein, described in the lineup as a model, influencer and disability ambassador, emphasized that the journey on Strictly is about more than performance. “It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream,” she said as anticipation built for the premiere.

The cast’s diversely backgrounds reflect a broader cultural shift toward inclusive storytelling in entertainment. Goldstein’s addition follows a growing trend of casting performers who bring lived experiences to the screen and stage, challenging stereotypes about what performers with disabilities can achieve on mainstream platforms. The show’s producers have stressed the importance of representation while noting that the competition remains a rigorous dance residency, with contestants learning from professional partners and striving to deliver entertaining performances each week.

For viewers, the inclusion of a contestant with Down syndrome on the main series elevates visibility for the condition and its supporters, while also underscoring the franchise’s ongoing evolution. The decision to place Goldstein in the spotlight comes as fans have shown strong interest in stories of empowerment, resilience and achievement, particularly when they intersect with fashion, media and popular culture. Beyond the televised performances, the coverage surrounding Strictly’s 2025 edition has highlighted the significance of widening access to aspirational entertainment for audiences who may rarely see themselves reflected on prime-time entertainment.

Goldstein’s moment on Strictly also aligns with a broader public conversation about disability representation in media, including advertising and fashion contexts in which many years of advocacy have led to greater inclusion. Her career trajectory—ranging from major brand campaigns to high-fashion editorials and museum showcases—illustrates how contemporary media can provide platforms for voices that historically faced marginalization. As she prepares for the first live show, the industry and fans alike will be watching not only for the style and rhythm of her routines but for what her participation signals about the culture’s evolving standards for who can be celebrated on the dance floor.

[Image intentionally placed here to illustrate Ellie Goldstein’s profile on the show.]

Ellie Goldstein will be joined by a diverse group of celebrities who bring a mix of athleticism, stage experience and television visibility. The show’s format continues to center on learning and performance, with many participants arriving having already honed relevant skills. Lewis Cope, known for his work on Emmerdale and his West End training, has discussed his prior dance exposure, while Nitro—Harry Aikines-Aryeetey of Team GB fame—took part in last year’s Christmas special and will look to apply that experience to a full season. The 2025 lineup also includes longtime performers and media personalities who say they are prepared to embrace the ballroom’s demanding tempo, precision and showmanship as they navigate this season’s choreography and competition.

With the premiere looming, fans can expect a blend of spectacle, music, and storylines that have historically characterized Strictly Come Dancing. The inclusion of Ellie Goldstein signals the franchise’s ongoing commitment to diversify its on-screen cast, while showcasing the talents of individuals who have already made significant strides in their respective fields. As the season unfolds, audiences will be watching not only for dazzling footwork but for how Ellie's participation resonates with viewers who seek more inclusive portrayals in mainstream culture and entertainment.