Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed Ellie Goldstein will be among this year’s celebrities competing on the show. 

Ellie, 23, will be taking to the ballroom with a pro partner when the new series of the BBC contest kicks off this autumn.

The model, who has Down syndrome, admits she will find Strictly “challenging” but is determined to give it her best shot.

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 is the ninth celebrity to be confirmed for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly Come Dancing: Who is Ellie Goldstein?

Ellie Goldstein recently made history when she became the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of fashion magazine Vogue. She has also featured in campaigns for global brands Adidas and Gucci Beauty.

In 2023, Ellie partnered with toy company Mattel to launch the first Barbie with Down syndrome. She has also starred in the CBBC show Malory Towers.

Ellie is an advocate for disability and using her social media platforms to be a role model to others with disabilities. She has also published a children’s book called Ellie. The picture book is based on her own life story and she wanted it to be uplifting to others.

Who else is on Strictly this year?

The first celebrity to be confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 was Gladiator Nitro. His name was followed by ER and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, Love Islander Dani Dyer and retired football Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal was next to be announced. The actress plays Suki Panesar (now Unwin) in the BBC soap. Social media influencer George Clarke, Drag Race UK finalist La Voix and former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw were next.

There are still several more celebrity names set to be announced.

Rumoured Strictly celebrities

Nine celebrities have now been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, but there are already plenty of other rumoured names in the mix. Fifteen celebrities usually take part in Strictly Come Dancing each year.

Check out TV Guide’s full list of rumoured Strictly Come Dancing celebrities here.

New faces and judges

The BBC has already confirmed this year’s Strictly Come Dancing pro dancers. They include all of the fan favourites, including Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Vito Coppola and Johannes Radebe.

There are also two new pros joining the Strictly dancer line-up this year. They are Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. American dancer Alexis has already appeared on So You Think You Can Dance? and Dancing With The Stars. Julian, from Australia, has appeared on the show’s counterparts Down Under, too.

Last week, Gorka Marquez announce he will miss a big chunk of this series. Gorka will also not be having a celebrity partner this year.

The dancer has a clash of schedules after landing a job on the Spanish version of Strictly, called Bailando Con Las Estrella. It means he will only be able to pre-record the group dances for Strictly UK and then bow out until later in the series.

The judging panel is remaining the same this year. Shirley Ballas will be back as Head Judge, sitting alongside Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.

When does Strictly Come Dancing start?

The BBC is yet to confirm when this year’s Strictly Come Dancing will start, although it usually kicks off in September. Last year, the pre-recorded launch show aired on September 14 and the first live show followed the week after.

The series will air every Saturday in the run up to Christmas. The dreaded results show airs on a Sunday night. The 2024 finale aired on December 14. Last year, Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell scooped the Glitterball Trophy.

Read more: Best entertainment shows coming this autumn including I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC this autumn.