Strictly's a dream come true, says Ellie Goldstein

As well as Strictly Come Dancing, Goldstein has featured in ad campaigns and magazines

Ellie Goldstein says taking part in Strictly Come Dancing "is a dream come true".

The actor and model - the first person with Down's syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue - is a long-standing fan of the show.

And she says she is "over the moon" to be starring in the latest season, where she is paired with Vito Coppola, 33, who first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 as a choreographer.

"Strictly is a dream come true. I've wanted to do Strictly - here I am, I am doing it," said Goldstein, 23, from Essex.

As the show moves on to week three, she described the experience as a "10 out of 10" and said she enjoyed dancing with her "patient" partner.

Goldstein said she had even been enjoying the training.

Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola say they are excited for week three of Strictly

The actress took to social media, posting about the support and love she has been getting.

"I have Down's syndrome, but it doesn't define me, not even close," said Goldstein.

"It's actually the least interesting thing about me."

She told BBC Look East: "I think any person like me should be happy and go out there with confidence."

'Samba Barbie'

Coppola said: "This week has been very intense and because it is movie week, we are doing samba from the movie Barbie.

"So we have to channel [the] Barbie character and Ken character and we are going to be a very upbeat samba Barbie."

He added: "We are very grateful and so many people are showing love to us.

"We always want to bring so much joy and smiles and happiness to everyone."

Goldstein made her acting debut in 2025 as Nancy in the CBBC series Malory Towers.

She has appeared in documentaries including Channel 4's New Model Agency, featured in campaigns for Gucci and Adidas and been photographed for magazines including Glamour and Elle.

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One at 18:05 BST on Saturday.