Jewish model and actress to become first Down Syndrome Strictly star

Jewish model and disability campaigner Ellie Goldstein has been announced as a participant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, breaking boundaries by becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to compete on the show.

Ellie Goldstein, 23, from a Jewish family based in Barkingside, Essex, has previously graced the cover of Vogue and modelled for Gucci. She is also currently starring in the latest series of CBBC’s Mallory Towers, based on the Enid Blyton novels.

“It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream”, Goldstein said, regarding Strictly.

“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.”

The model told BBC Breakfast that she hoped to be paired with Ukrainian dancer Nikita Kuzmin, saying that he has “a heartwarming, loving smile”.

Other Jewish stars to grace the Strictly ballroom have included Judge Robert Rinder, former S-Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens, politician Edwina Currie, presenter Vanessa Feltz and Countdown star Rachel Riley, who met her husband, dancer Pasha Kovalev, on the show.

Speaking to Jewish News in 2023, soon after her Vogue cover and her partnership with Mattel to launch the first Barbie with Down Syndrome, Goldstein said her advice was “to follow your dreams, to never give up on yourself.  Don’t be scared of the camera, go for it and you’ll smash it.”