Date published: 1 December 2025
When she sashayed onto the Strictly dance floor for the 2025 series of the hit BBC show, Ellie Goldstein was making history for the second time. Already the first ever model with Down’s syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue, she is the first contestant with Down’s to compete in the main series of the celebrity ballroom dancing competition.
A self confessed Strictly superfan, Ellie has described being part of the show as her ‘dream come true’. Now she and dance partner, Vito Coppola, the self-styled Cheeky Team, made it all the way to Hallowe’en Week, being voted off in a dance-off with Eastenders actor Balvinder Sopal and partner Julian Caillon.
In a backstage interview, Ellie declared, “Dancing on this stage makes me feel strong, sassy, confident and completely myself - I’m loving every single minute!”
Although she’s never danced professionally, Ellie has been a keen dancer since she was five, starting lessons to help her recovery from surgery for a hole in her heart.
Despite doctors telling her mum, Yvonne, when she was born, that she would never walk or talk, performing on stage is one of Ellie’s biggest passions. Speaking on the show, Yvonne explained, “We decided to bring Ellie up as Ellie, not with a title of having Down’s syndrome. I think that’s made a difference in her life. I’d like people to see that anything is possible.”
Now the trailblazing model, actor and author is also the UK ambassador for the first Barbie doll based on a person with Down's syndrome and she wants to use her platform to inspire others. In her cover interview with Vogue, Ellie made her feelings clear. “I have Down's syndrome but it doesn't define me. It's actually the least interesting thing about me. 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.
Dancing Queen
Cheering Ellie on each week was Helen Cherry, who worked in Mersey Care finance's team*. She understands more than most what it takes to step out in Ellie’s sparkly shoes.
A model, musician and actress, multi talented Helen has had a passion for all forms of dance - especially ballet, tap and modern - since she was three years old.
As well as being a key member of DanceSyndrome, an inclusive dance organisation based in Preston, she is a choreographer and dance leader and has toured the West Midlands as lead performer with dance company, Extraordinary Bodies.
Helen managed to fit all this in alongside her part time job at Mersey Care supported by Down's Syndrome Association's WorkFit Scheme, which matches employers and job seekers who have Down's syndrome.
While dancing keeps her very fit physically, Helen says it’s essential for her mental health. “I absolutely love to dance, it makes me feel strong and powerful.” Dance is great exercise, especially for people experiencing long term health conditions like Parkinsons.
Helen has also learnt British Sign Language and sees a connection between it and dance which transcends the need for words. She says, “Like sign language, dancers use their bodies and movements to express themselves. It means people whose disabilities affect their communication skills feel included.” In 2024 the BBC launched a new live signing option alongside audio description and subtitling for viewers of Strictly Come Dancing.
A study by the University of Oxford also supports Helen’s theory. It found that moving to music releases the body’s ‘feel good’ chemical endorphins and dopamine and reduces stress levels as the dancer expresses their emotions and feelings. The research also suggests that dancing together as part of a group builds and maintains the friendships and social connections which are vital for our wellbeing. As well as keeping us moving, being involved in dance is known to be a powerful tool to combat loneliness, bringing us together with people we wouldn’t usually meet.
With her expert dancer’s eye, Helen thought Ellie did a great job. “Her timing, counts and musicality were really good and she looked fantastic.”
It wasn’t just the routines which impressed Helen. “Ellie’s a bundle of joy and energy. I love her attitude and her sass. She’s a great role model.”
Helen hopes that the Strictly spotlight can challenge preconceptions about Down’s syndrome. “It’s important that people see what we can achieve. Dance is for everyone - we should all have the chance to fulfil our potential, on the dance floor and in life.”
*Helen no longer works at Mersey Care and we are delighted to report that Helen has sought out and found new opportunities where she can use her skills and fulfil her passion for dancing.
