Vito Coppola and Ellie Goldstein on Strictly Come Dancing on September 27, 2025 / BBC
Ellie Goldstein has explained why she appeared to be teary during Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing first live show.
The 23-year-old – the show’s first contestant with Down’s Syndrome – performed a Cha-cha-cha to ‘yes, and?’ by Ariana Grande, earning a score of 17 from the judges.
Later in the show, however, she was seen in the background being comforted by Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, but in an Instagram post she has insisted that she was not “upset”.
“Thank you all so much for the incredible love and support!” she wrote. “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.
“Dancing on this stage makes me feel strong, sassy, confident, and completely myself — I’m loving every single minute!”
She added: “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.”
Strictly continues this Saturday at 6.20pm on BBC One.
