Ellie Goldstein is set to take Strictly Come Dancing by storm when the new series of the BBC show kicks off this month. 

Model and actress Ellie, who was born with Down syndrome, will be joining 14 other celebrities and their professional partners in the ballroom.

The star is no stranger to the limelight, having modelled since she was 15. Here’s everything we know about the Strictly Come Dancing contestant.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Who is Ellie Goldstein?

Ellie Goldstein was born in Ilford, London, on December 18, 2021, to parents Yvonne and Mark. This makes her 23 years old. She has a sister called Amy, who is eight years older than her. Ellie was born with Down syndrome – a genetic condition that affects around one in every 1,000 babies born in the UK.

Ellie had to have an operation at just five months old to close holes in her heart. Despite doctors telling Yvonne and Mark that their daughter Ellie would never be able to walk or talk, she has gone on to prove them wrong.

After attending a mainstream nursery, primary school, and secondary school, Ellie went to a local college to study performing arts before her seriously impressive career took off.

Model behaviour

Ellie joined the books of inclusive agency Zebedee Talent in 2016. By 15, she had appeared in a Christmas advert for high street giant Superdrug. Numerous modelling jobs soon followed, including one for sports brand Nike.

By 2020, at the age of 18, Ellie was thrust into the spotlight when she was chosen by designer Gucci as a model for the brand’s beauty campaign. After making history as the first person with Down syndrome to model for such a huge global company, Ellie began to land one high profile job after another.

Ellie now has campaigns for Adidas, Asos and Victoria’s Secret under belt. She is also an ambassador for the learning disability charity, Mencap.

Ellie Goldstein: Cover star

In April, 2023, Ellie was revealed as one of five cover stars for British Vogue. The issue of the glossy magazine focused on 19 disabled people from the worlds of fashion, sport and the arts.

She told BBC’s Newsround: “Vogue was like a dream come true. I didn’t know I was going to be on the cover and, when I was, I couldn’t believe it. When I look back at the picture, it’s only me and I love that!”

Ellie has now graced the covers of multiple magazines. In 2023, she also featured in Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day campaign.

Television career

Strictly Come Dancing is not Ellie’s first TV appearance. In April this year, she was a contestant on Channel 4′s The Great Celebrity Bake Off.

Ellie also made her acting debut in the CBBC drama series Malory Towers in July. She took on the role of Nancy in the adaptation of Enid Blyton’s books. Ellie’s character is passionate about history and also turns out to be an excellent lacrosse goalie.

When it was announced she had bagged the role, Ellie said: “I am so honoured to have been a part of the fantastic series Malory Towers. I’m beyond excited to see my episodes and share them with everyone. I absolutely love acting and feel so lucky to have worked with such a wonderful cast and crew.”

Ellie later appeared on ITV‘s Loose Women to discuss her part in the children’s show. She said: “It was long days and early starts. I love early starts, because we get to go there and have breakfast, but actually…it is early!”

The actress says her starring role in Malory Towers has prompted more people to stop her in the street and ask for her autograph.

Best-selling author

Ellie has written two books which were instant best-sellers. Her first book, an autobiography named Against All Odds, was published in September 2023. The book highlights the importance of family, and how community and support can carry people through the toughest of times. Against All Odds includes the perspective of both Ellie and her mother Yvonne, as they wrote it together.

Last year, Ellie’s self-titled children’s book, Ellie, was published. It is about inclusivity and growing up with Down syndrome. The empowering and up-lifting picture book is designed to inspire young children to be free to become whoever they are.

Soon after the release of the book, Ellie told Yahoo: “I found it very relaxing to write and I wanted it to be an uplifting picture book that will inspire youngsters to embrace who they are. I hope the bright pictures and the story about me and my life encourages children to understand that everyone is different and that they should chase their dreams and never give up.”

Ellie Goldstein: The ambassador 

Ellie is an ambassador for Mencap and works with the charity to challenge misconceptions about people with learning disabilities, In June, she became the face of Mencap’s charity shops during Learning Disability Week.

“It’s really exciting to see myself in the shop windows,” Ellie told her 86,000 Instagram followers at the time. “It means a lot to me to be part of Learning Disability Week and to show what people with a learning disability can achieve and follow their dreams.”

Ellie was also made an ambassador for Mattel in 2023 when the toy giant launched its first Barbie doll with Down syndrome. She said: “When I saw the doll I felt so emotional and proud. I’d have loved to have had a doll like me growing up. It means a lot to me that children will be able to play with that Barbie and learn that everyone is equal, even if they look different.

“To know that children can play with the doll and be aware we are all different is such a good thing. I grew up playing with Barbie dolls and remember giving them funny names, so to see a doll who looks like me was incredible.”

Ellie Goldstein on Strictly Come Dancing

Ellie is looking forward to twirling around the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom this autumn. She is the second contestant with Down syndrome to appear on the BBC show. She follows in the footsteps of CBeebies presenter George Webster, who competed in the Christmas special with pro dancer Amy Dowden in 2022.

Ellie said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance 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 the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin.”

Ellie has revealed she is hoping to be partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin on Strictly.

Ellie’s Strictly co-stars

Ellie will be competing against 14 other celebrities in the 2025 series of Strictly. They are Gladiator Nitro – real name Harry Aikines-Aryeete, ER and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, Love Island star Dani Dyer and retired football Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal is taking part, along with social media influencer George Clarke, Drag Race UK’s La Voix, rugby legend Chris Robshaw, and footballer Karen Carney. Soap star Lewis Cope completes the line-up, having stepped in to replace Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn. He has pulled out on medical grounds.

When does Strictly Come Dancing start?

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday September 20, 2025. It will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Beginning the following week, there will be a live show on the Saturday night and a Results show on Sunday.

The series will run all the way through until December. Last year’s Strictly Live Final aired on Saturday December 14.

Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday September 20, 2025.