STRICTLY’S Ellie Goldstein has broken her silence amid fan concern as she shared the real reason for her ‘teary’ display.
The model, actress and author sparked concern among some Strictly viewers during Saturday night’s first live show when she was seen being supported by professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer and celebrity contestant Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Strictly’s Ellie Goldstein has broken her silence amid fan concern as she shared the real reason for her ‘teary’ display[/caption]
Ellie danced a cheeky Cha Cha with partner Vito on Saturday’s live show[/caption]
But later, some viewers were concerned when pro dancers Dianne and Karen appeared to be consoling Ellie in the background[/caption]
This was despite the fact her Cha Cha with pro partner Vito Coppola had gone down a storm with the judges.
However, Ellie has now insisted she wasn’t upset, sharing her joy at being on the BBC One show on her Instagram on Sunday.
Alongside a picture of her dancing in her metallic tassled dress, she wrote: “Thank you all so much for the incredible love and support!
I’m over the moon that so many of you enjoyed watching me dance last night — I’m honestly having the time of my life. This really is a dream come true!
“I feel so lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing support team: my wonderful family, my agents, the whole Strictly crew, and of course my incredible dance partner Vito. I couldn’t ask for better.”
Ellie continued: “Dancing on this stage makes me feel strong, sassy, confident, and completely myself — I’m loving every single minute!
“Just a little note: sometimes my eyes get watery after a long day — I promise I’m not upset! I’m doing so well and feeling SO happy, and your concern truly means the world.”
She concluded with her trademark cheekiness: “And one more thing — yes, I have Down syndrome, but it doesn’t define me. Not even close. It’s actually the least interesting thing about me.”
Over the past decade, Ellie has appeared in campaigns for big brands like Nike, Vodafone, Primark and Superdrug.
She gained global attention after being the first model with Down’s Syndrome to appear in a Gucci campaign in 2020.
During Strictly’s live show last night, Ellie and her professional dance partner Vito performed the cha cha to Yes, And? by Ariana Grande.
All four judges praised their first dance and Anton told Ellie she was a joy.
Craig Revel Horwood told her the routine was “flat footed” but praised her “natural rhythm.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas even gave Ellie a fan, branded with ‘fabulous’, after the performance.
The energetic pair then received four points each from Craig, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley and a five from Anton Du Beke giving them a fabulous 17 points.
But Ellie insisted that her eyes sometimes get watery after a long day and she was absolutely fine and loving being on the show[/caption]
Strictly airs Saturdays on BBC One and iPlayer.
