She’s a trailblazing model, actor, and writer. And she’s only 24. Editor Melissa Holmes sits down with cover girl and Strictly star Ellie Goldstein to ask – what’s next?
When Ellie Goldstein’s face appeared on my laptop screen, I couldn’t help but smile. More than her youthful energy (Ellie is only 24), and more than her pretty face (which has appeared on the cover of Vogue, making her the first model with Down’s syndrome to grace the illustrious title) – it was Ellie’s boundless energy and enthusiasm that radiated through the screen’s pixels.
It’s the same infectiously positive attitude that saw her become an audience favourite when she appeared on the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, and which has led her to model for some of the biggest fashion and beauty brands, including Gucci and Adidas. As a young woman who is breaking down barriers in fashion and disability representation, what’s she most proud of? “All my work is meaningful,” she smiles. “Because I love everything that I do.”
COVER GIRL
There’s a lot to love when it comes to Ellie’s work as a model. She tells me her favourite campaign so far was shooting with underwear brand Victoria’s Secret PINK, and shares her favourite elements of modelling: “The camera and being on set – all the stylists and the clothes. I get to wear all different types of clothes and have different hairstyles.”
With its world of sequins and glamour, it’s easy to see why Ellie’s segue from modelling and into Strictly was a smooth one. “Your relationship with your dance partner Vito was beautiful,” I tell her. “He was like your big brother.” “Yeah,” Ellie replies, smiling widely. “And I’m his little sister – it’s really cute!”
“Training was really really fun,” she reveals, explaining how Vito used cardboard cut-outs of the judges to help her. Ellie was able to memorise routines by watching them back on repeat, and used live band tracks to help her learn the moves by heart.
“The live dances were a really good experience. We got voted out,” she says, waving her hand dismissively while grinning: “but never mind that!”
MAKING MOVES
Of course, being voted off Strictly isn’t the end for most contestants, and Ellie reveals she’s still making moves with her professional dance partner, Vito Coppola – she even had plans to meet up with him the day after our interview. She also explained she is taking part in the live Strictly tour, a challenging experience that will see her join other contestants and professionals on stage to perform 30 dates across the UK in January and February.
So what has appearing on screen in front of millions of viewers doing complex dances to a live studio audience taught Ellie? “I’ve learned I can face any challenges, I can learn quickly, and I should be confident,” she states, self-assured. Ellie clearly doesn’t have a problem with confidence, saying: “I love signing autographs and taking selfies and photographs with people.”
TRAILBLAZING TALENT
Ellie credits her family for keeping her motivated and inspired. She’s a woman of many talents, having made her acting debut last summer in the BBC’s adaptation of Enid Blyton’s classic Malory Towers. She’s even written a book, Against All Odds, about her life experiences so far, and is blazing her own path in the world of fashion.
Her favourite dance on Strictly was the Tango, performed to Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra on what became her last live show. We reckon Ellie and Vito’s joyous Barbie-themed samba to Dance the Night during Movie Week must’ve been extra special too – back in 2023, Ellie supported toy maker Mattel in launching the brand’s first Barbie with Down’s syndrome, as part of their Fashionistas line. The range, including dolls who use wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and hearing aids, was created to empower more children to find a doll that represents them. At the time, Ellie told the press: “Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed – it meant a lot to me. Diversity is important as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”
From acting and writing to modelling and dancing, Ellie’s achieved a lot. She’s a proud advocate for people with learning disabilities, and an ambassador for Mencap. What would she like young disabled people to know about achieving their dreams? “Try and achieve what you want in life, to be who you are,” she confides. “You can be equal to everyone else in the world, and me as well!”
So what’s next for Ellie? “To keep getting opportunities,” she tells me. “More acting, more modelling – in New York hopefully – and presenting. I want to be Tess on Strictly, or I could be Claudia and give out all the scores!”
Her dream project would be to work on Vogue again, and she’d love to continue her involvement with Strictly. “Dancing has been such a special thing,” she shares. And, finally, what does she want people to know about her and her achievements? “Anything is possible!”