A lovely social media post about ‘Strictly Come Dancing‘ star Ellie Goldstein has highlighted what a massive inspiration she is.
Model and actress Goldstein, who has Down’s syndrome, is the first contestant with the genetic disorder to take part in the hugely popular television dance competition.
With week 4 of series 23 now complete, Goldstein has done herself proud since the opening show, delivering weekly performances of a standard that anyone without any previous professional dance experience should be happy with.
Her impact on the world has been hailed by her mother, Yvonne, and her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional partner, Vito Coppola, in the aforementioned post.
Goldstein’s Parents Were Told She Wouldn’t Walk or Talk
The post, which comprises a 144-second video and can be found on the official ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Instagram page, begins with Goldstein, 23, talking about how she was an “outgoing,” “bubbly,” and “cheeky” child — which is precisely what she’s like as an adult — before her mother appears on camera and explains how things could have been very different for her daughter.
Yvonne explains, “Within a few hours of Ellie being born we were told that she wouldn’t walk or talk, which was all a huge shock.”
She continues, “We decided to bring Ellie up as Ellie, not with a title of having Down’s syndrome. And I think that’s made a difference in her life — that she’s always just been treated like anyone else.”
Ellie then goes on to say how she wanted to be a model when she was little, and would do catwalks at home.
Her mother then reappears and says, “From a very young age, Ellie said to me ‘I want to do well in life.’ She’s just always loved to be center of attention and still now is happiest in front of a camera showing the world what she can do.” It is, therefore, lovely to know she’s made it onto ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’
Goldstein then explains, “When I got Strictly, me and my whole entire family were screaming of happiness.”
Yvonne Is ‘Really Proud’ of Her Daughter
The video then switches to Goldstein, her mother, and Coppola all sat on a couch, at which point Coppola asks Yvonne, “How proud are you of Ellie?”
Yvonne then points at her daughter and says, “I’m really proud of you,” which made Goldstein laugh and blush.
Goldstein then speaks highly of her professional partner, saying, “Vito is a good teacher and he’s really patient.” That is followed by Coppola speaking in glowing terms about her in return.
Coppola says, “When Ellie comes in the room, everything lights up. All of a sudden, I’m looking at Ellie and the world becomes in colors and I’ve realized that I’ve always lived in black and white.”
Yvonne then further praises her daughter, saying, “Watching Ellie dancing, I’m sort of thinking, ‘is that actually her?’ Sometimes on my own I have a little cry,” before laughing at herself.
She then speaks of how she wants Goldstein to be an inspiration to others like herself, saying, “I’d like people to see that, having Down’s syndrome, that anything is possible. You know, there’s every chance for you to be successful.”
Goldstein then concludes the video by adding, “When I dance it makes me feel free. And I really never thought that I would see myself on Strictly.”
Of course, the comments heap praise on Goldstein and Coppola, with one fan saying, “Such an inspiration! Ellie is a fantastic role model and this partnership is just gorgeous ❤️.”
A Wonderful ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Journey So Far
Goldstein’s journey on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ so far has monumentally surpassed any expectations, with her performances hugely impressing everyone from fans, fellow contestants, and the show’s judges.
In week 1, she scored 17 out of 40 for her cha-cha-cha to ‘Yea, And?’ by Ariana Grande. In week 2, her waltz to Ellie Goulding’s ‘Your Song’ scored 23. Her samba in week 3 — movie week — to ‘Dance the Night’ from ‘Barbie’ scored 27. And her couple’s choice dance in week 4 to ‘Golden’ by Huntr/x scored 31. That means she’s improving every week, which is fantastic to see.
We wish Ellie Goldstein all the luck in the world in her ongoing ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ journey, which will continue on Saturday, October 25, at 6:20 p.m. GMT on BBC One.
