Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Goldstein's life off camera - breaking stereotypes and Vogue cover

Ellie Goldstein will make Strictly Come Dancing history when she takes to the dancefloor this weekend. She was the first model with Down Syndrome to feature on the cover of Vogue and will be the first Down Syndrome person to compete on the show.

The model is yet to find out who she has been partnered with on the BBC show but she is desperate to be paired up with Nikita Kuzmin. Ellie has long been wanting to do the show. Here we take a look at her life so far.

Strictly hopes

Ellie previously expressed her desire to join Strictly. She is a huge fan of the show and has always wanted to be a part of it.

• Gogglebox cast face axe over strict rule they have to follow on Channel 4 show
• Strictly Come Dancing winner unrecognisable as they reunite with partner after 20 years

Speaking a few years ago, she said: "My absolute favourite thing in the world is dancing. One day I would love to be on Strictly Come Dancing. I went to watch it being filmed a few weeks ago, but I didn't want to be in the audience, I wanted to be on the dancefloor!"

When she signed up for the show, Ellie said she was "over the moon" to be on the show. She said: "I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year.

"It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream. I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!"

Breaking stereotypes

Ellie is a trailblazer in her field and has always wanted to be a model. She explained that she loved having her photo taken as a child and soon realised it was something she wanted to pursue professionally.

"I have always wanted to be a model since I was very young. I loved dressing up and having my older sister Amy putting makeup on me and doing my hair. I really loved having my photo taken and posing," she said.

"Then we heard about Zebedee Talent opening a model agency; I went for a test shoot with them, and they signed me up!"

Working with Gucci

Ellie got her big break when she worked with fashion house Gucci on a new project. She explained that it was "overwhelming" but something she'd always dreamed of doing.

"Working with Gucci was overwhelming at first, but amazing. The clothes and makeup were stunning. I didn’t realise the impact that would have on my career, as it went mental after that was out. So I have Gucci to thank really for launching my career," she said.

Barbie doll

Ellie also made history when she launched the first Barbie with Down Syndrome. She was chosen as the UK ambassador and launched the new Barbie alongside the company.

"Barbie spoke with my agent and they chose me to be the UK ambassador to launch the new Barbie with Down Syndrome. I was so honoured and shocked. The shoot was fabulous and so is the doll. I am so proud of her," she said.

Vogue cover

The model also made history with her cover on Vogue magazine. She was the first Down Syndrome person to appear on the cover of the British edition of the magazine, and she refuses to be "written off".

"It has started to change, but it still has a long way to go. Brands shouldn’t be afraid to [cast] people like me; I know I bring happiness with my work and make people smile. Everyone should be seen and not hidden," she said.

"[People with disabilities] can be easily overlooked and written off. We are the same as everyone else, sometimes a bit slower in things, but we need to be given a chance."

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.