'We love Strictly's Ellie - she's a great ambassador'

A Folkestone dance group is backing Ellie Goldstein to win Strictly, saying she is a great ambassador for dancers with disabilities

Organisers of a Kent dance group for people with learning disabilities say Ellie Goldstein competing on Strictly Come Dancing is "really important" for national representation.

Jo Frater, who founded Confidance in Folkestone, says providing dance classes for people with Down syndrome and other learning disabilities is a chance to challenge attitudes and build skills for dancers to "go out there and be your very best selves".

The group is backing model and actress Ellie, the first Strictly contestant with Down syndrome, and her dance partner Vito Coppola to win the competition, and want to follow in her footsteps.

Ms Frater said: "Attitudes act as barriers and we are looking to challenge that."

Confidance provides dancing classes and performances for people with Down syndrome and other learning disabilities

Ms Frater added: "I think it's a really important time for someone like Ellie who is bringing great representation on a national level.

"It's very important to see that level of expectations regardless of anyone's disability."

Ms Frater, 44, set up Confidance having been inspired by growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome.

Thomas Eastwell, 34, says dancing "makes me feel happy"

The group is currently preparing to perform at the Folkestone Triennial on Thursday.

Dancer Thomas Eastwell, 34, said: "I love dancing because it makes me feel happy.

"I'm excited to perform, but also nervous."

Freya Woods said Ellie Goldstein was a "great ambassador for people with disabilities"

Freya Woods, 26, from Canterbury, added: "I think Ellie is amazing and a great ambassador for people with disabilities. I want her to win."

Ellie Goldstein became the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of Vogue magazine in 2023.

In her first two weeks on the show, she performed the cha cha cha to Yes, and? by Ariana Grande, before waltzing to Ellie Goulding's Your Song.