Ellie Goldstein 'made history' on Strictly, says model

Ellie Goldstein is smiling and looking at the camera, and behind her is a blue stripey background.
Image caption,

Ms Goldstein is the first person with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly Come Dancing

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A model with Down's syndrome said Ellie Goldstein "made history" during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

Ms Goldstein, who also has the condition, left the show on Sunday after dancing the Tango to Lady Gaga's Abracadabra with her partner Vito Coppola.

Beth Matthews, 26, from Swansea, said watching Ms Goldstein dance made her feel "proud, emotional and joy".

"She was amazing," Ms Matthews said, adding that she was "very upset" the model and actor had been eliminated from the competition.

Ms Goldstein, who is the first person with Down's syndrome to feature on Strictly, became the fifth dance star to leave the show, exiting on the Halloween-themed night.

Ms Matthews' mother, Fiona, said the Malory Towers actor's call-up and success in the dance competition could "build on something".

Ellie Goldstein, who is dressed in a long black dress and a white shirt, is hugging her partner Vito who is dressed as a bunny rabbit in a white suit. They are standing on the dancefloor of Strictly Come Dancing.Image source, BBC/PA
Image caption,

Goldstein and dance partner Vito Coppola were knocked out of the competition on Sunday

She said: "It's a massive TV programme and it's such a major Saturday night TV institution, which can open new doors.

"People thought they weren't sure what she could do. She was amazing.

"A lot of people have a set idea of what people with Down's syndrome are like.

"I always say to anyone with a young child with Down's syndrome to give them hope, and Ellie has given them hope."

She said her daughter was also hoping to get into acting alongside her modelling career.

Beth Matthews, who has Down's syndrome, is looking at the camera smilingImage source, Graham Smith - All About the Image
Image caption,

Beth Matthews is also a model with Down's syndrome, like Ellie Goldstein

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