Ellie Goldstein, an English model and actress, joins the Strictly Come Dancing Line-Up. She will be the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete on a series of Strictly.
Ellie Goldstein is a trailblazing British model, author, and advocate for inclusivity, famous for being the first model with Down syndrome to represent Gucci. She was born with a passion for performing and began her modelling career at just 15.
Zebedee Management represents her, and she has worked with major brands such as Nike, Vodafone, and Superdrug. Her breakthrough moment came in November 2019 when Gucci and Vogue Italia featured her in their digital editorial on Unconventional Beauty, which David PD Hyde had photographed.
This historic campaign made her the first model with a disability to represent Gucci Beauty, challenging traditional beauty standards and inspiring millions worldwide.
Goldstein has appeared on popular British TV shows, including Good Morning Britain, Loose Women, and This Morning, where she discussed the launch of Mattel’s first Barbie doll with Down syndrome in 2023.
Her advocacy extends beyond modelling. She released her autobiography, Against All Odds, in September 2023, followed by Ellie, a children’s book promoting inclusivity and self-acceptance.
In 2025, Goldstein showcased her versatility and appeared on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off. Later, she made her acting debut in the BBC’s Malory Towers, playing Nancy Maher.
Ellie Goldstein Makes History as First Contestant with Down Syndrome on Strictly Come Dancing
Model and influencer Ellie Goldstein has been announced as the latest celebrity joining the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 line-up. It marked a historic moment as the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete in the main series.
The 22-year-old shared her excitement during an interview on BBC Breakfast.
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 dance floor. Let the Strictly journey begin!
While Ellie is the first to compete in a whole series, George Webster, a BAFTA-winning presenter, previously appeared in the 2022 Christmas Special. He also made history as the first participant with Down syndrome.
Strictly has been widely praised for its commitment to disability inclusion. Last year, comedian Chris McCausland became the show’s first blind contestant and went on to win the Glitterball Trophy.
Meanwhile, Tasha Ghouri, Love Island’s first deaf contestant, reached the finals, showcasing the show’s evolving diversity.
Ellie is set to inspire millions, proving once again that Strictly’s dance floor is for everyone. She is the ninth star confirmed for the new season.
She joins a glittering lineup including Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Doctor Who actor Alex Kingston, and Drag Race UK favourite La Voix.
Ellie Goldstein Redefining Beauty and Breaking Barriers with Down Syndrome
Ellie Jade Goldstein, the daughter of Mark and Yvonne Goldstein, was born on December 18, 2001, in Ilford, London, England.
When she was born with Down syndrome, doctors told her parents she might never walk or talk. But Ellie defied expectations, not only mastering these milestones but also making history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of Vogue.
Yvonne recalls the shock of her daughter’s diagnosis. Medical professionals painted a bleak picture, even suggesting they leave Ellie at the hospital. She admits she struggled to bond with her at first.
When Ellie needed life-saving heart surgery at just five months old, the family faced an agonizing wait. But after a grueling 10-hour operation and weeks in intensive care, Ellie came home, and her vibrant personality began to shine.
Yvonne and her husband made a conscious decision to raise Ellie first, not defined by her condition. She was walking at 18 months and speaking at 3.
Moreover, she attended mainstream school, proving that with the proper support, children with Down syndrome can thrive.
Ellie’s life changed when her mother signed her up with Zebedee, a talent agency for people with disabilities. In 2018, she starred in Superdrug’s Christmas ad, launching her modeling career.
Soon after, she made history with her Vogue cover, a moment that left her screaming with joy at college when she found out.
I always wanted to be a model but I didn’t see anyone who looked like me on magazine covers so I wasn’t sure if I could do it but now I am living my dream.
Despite her success, Ellie still faces challenges. Yvonne worries about her future independence, but Ellie’s confidence is unshaken.
Her story challenges outdated stereotypes about Down syndrome.
