Ellie Goldstein, who made Strictly Come Dancing history as the first ever contestant with Down syndrome, has described her journey on Strictly as “a dream come true” after a disappointing result from the judges in last night’s result show sent her and dance partner Vito Coppola home.
Ms Goldstein was the fifth celebrity eliminated from the 2025 series of Strictly after she and Mr Coppola ended Halloween Week near the bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday.
The pair’s Tango to Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra received a lowly score of 27, placing them just one point above Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and his pro partner, Karen Hauer.
Ms Goldstein and Mr Coppola then faced Eastenders’ star Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon in the dance-off on Sunday.
BBC Strictly: Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola took on a Tango
|
BBC
Ms Sopal’s Rumba to Stay by pop duo Shakespears Sister also failed to impress, but in the end, the judges unanimously decided to keep the EastEnders star and Mr Caillon in the competition, sending Ms Goldstein home.
In a post to Instagram on Monday, Ms Goldstein spoke out about her experience for the first time since the elimination, writing: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“Wow… what a journey!” she continued. “I can’t even begin to put into words how grateful I am for all the love, support and beautiful messages I’ve received since leaving Strictly Come Dancing. Every single comment, message, vote, cheer and encouragement has meant the world to me.
“Being part of Strictly has been a dream come true, the sparkle, the music, the laughter, and most of all, the people. I’ve grown so much, learned things I never thought I could do, and made memories I’ll treasure forever.”
BBC Strictly: Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola against Balvinder Sopal in the dance-off
|
BBC
The actress and model, 23, went on to thank her dancing partner, whose partnership and friendship with Ms Goldstein touched hearts around the globe.
“To my amazing dance partner @vitocoppola thank you for believing in me, for your patience, for pushing me to be my best, and for being by my side through every single step. You’re truly one of a kind. My life now fills complete with you in it,” she went on.
“To the @bbcstrictly team, the judges, love you @claudiawinkle and @tessdaly the wardrobe, hair & makeup, crew, and everyone behind the scenes thank you for making this magical show what it is. You’ve given me an experience I’ll never forget. And the fabulous cast I love you all.”
Ms Goldstein’s post concluded: “And finally, to everyone watching at home thank you for opening your hearts to me, for celebrating inclusion, and for showing that dance is for everyone and you CAN achieve anything you want just follow your dreams.
LATEST STRICTLY DEVELOPMENTS:
BBC Strictly: Tess Daly with Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
|
BBC
“This isn’t goodbye… just the beginning of a new chapter.” (sic)
Premier League footballer and fellow contestant Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was one of many famous faces to respond to Ms Goldstain’s post, writing: “This is beautiful Ellie… You’re a superstar.”
“The most inspiring person I know! You’re just amazing!!” added Mr Aikines-Aryeetey, while professional dancer Amy Dowden wrote: “You are a superstar! You light up every room! Adore you darling girl xxx” (sic)
Chris Robshaw and Mr Coppola also replied to Ms Goldstein’s post with a series of love-heart emojis.
BBC Strictly: Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola were embraced by their co-stars
|
BBC
Ms Goldstein’s emotional exit statement comes just hours after Mr Coppola left BBC viewers in tears with his heartfelt farewell during Sunday’s results show.
Speaking to Tess Daly following their elimination, the Italian pro said: “Honestly, there are no words I can use to describe how proud I am of you, and you did really change my life so much.
“You made me such a better person,” the professional dancer added before he revealed he had prayed for “a beautiful angel” to enter his life at the year’s start.
“I’ve never had a little sister, but I always wanted one. Now, I have you and you’re my little sister forever, and your big brother is always by your side,” he added.