Strictly's New Star: Could Ellie Goldstein Be the Series' Ultimate Game-Changer?

It is not every day that Strictly Come Dancing announces a contestant who could make television history, but this year the ballroom has found one.

Meet Ellie Goldstein, a trailblazing model, actress, and disability advocate whose career has been defined by breaking barriers. Now she is trading the catwalk for the cha-cha, and if her track record is any indication, she could dance her way straight into the nation's hearts.

From Vogue Covers to the Glitterball Dream

Ellie is no stranger to smashing glass ceilings. In 2023, she became the first model with Down's syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue. She has fronted high-profile campaigns for Gucci Beauty, Adidas, and appeared on the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag, and Euphoria.

Two years ago, she collaborated with Mattel to launch the first Barbie with Down's syndrome, a milestone that was widely praised for advancing diversity and inclusion in the toy industry.

Her talents extend well beyond modelling. Ellie has appeared in the CBBC series Malory Towers, proving she can shine just as brightly on screen as she does in front of a camera lens. Now she is ready to bring that same charisma and determination to the Strictly dance floor.

'I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year,' Ellie told BBC Breakfast. 'It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.'

'Scary at First – But I'll Be Free to Dance'

The announcement was made on Wednesday 13 August, with Ellie revealing to hosts Jon and Sarah that although she expects some nerves, she is eager to embrace every spin, lift, and sequinned step.

'I think it'll be scary at first,' she admitted. 'But when I get on the ballroom, I'll be like, "I'll be free and I can dance."'

According to BBC News, her inclusion reinforces the programme's ongoing commitment to representation and inclusivity on primetime television. With Strictly set to return to BBC One on 20 September, fans will not have long to wait before seeing her first turn under the glitterball.

Why Ellie Could Be Strictly's Game-Changer

Ellie is not just competing to entertain. She is competing to inspire. As an ambassador for Mencap, she works to challenge misconceptions about people with learning disabilities. Jon Sparkes, Mencap's chief executive, expressed his pride at her casting.

'We are so proud to see our Mencap myth buster Ellie revealed as a celebrity dancer for this year's Strictly,' he said. 'Ellie has never been afraid to push boundaries, and this is just another way to show what people with a learning disability can achieve with the right support. We hope that seeing Ellie dance on Saturday nights will spark important conversations so we can all move towards a more inclusive society.'

If Strictly is about celebrating personalities as much as performance, Ellie could easily become the season's standout, not just for her steps but for the powerful message she brings.

All Eyes on September

The Strictly Come Dancing class of 2025 is beginning to take shape, with Ellie as the ninth celebrity revealed. The rest of the line-up remains under wraps, but she is already one of the most talked-about contestants of the year.

With her work ethic, charm, and history of turning firsts into historic moments, Ellie Goldstein could transform the competition, not by changing the rules but by showing exactly who gets to play.

When the music starts this September, the ballroom will not just sparkle with sequins and spotlights. It will shine with possibility.