Amy Clarke
Ellie had a really good week. She did the couples choice dance with Vito and finished in the top 5! She was even the first person to go through on the results show. The judges said really nice things about her too. I thought that was right, she did great.
Before her dance, they showed a video with her mum in it. Her mum said that when Ellie was little, the doctors said she wouldn’t be able to talk. But look at her now! She showed them. She’s doing so well on this show. Vito helps her a lot too, and you can tell she’s loving it. She wore a shiny golden top – it looked amazing!
People with disabilities can act, sing and dance – just like people without disabilities.
Some can even do all 3!
In the musical Wicked, the character Nessarose is played by someone with a disability too. Her name is Marissa Bode and she’s in a wheelchair from an accident a long time ago. I think it’s really good to see more people like that on TV and in shows. If we see it more, then people get used to it. It becomes normal. That’s how it should be.
Disability is part of life. It’s nothing to be scared of or ashamed about.
It was so nice to see Ellie’s mum and dad in the audience on Saturday night. They must be super proud of her!
Ellie is a great role model. She’s lighting up our Saturday nights with her sass – and of course Vito helps too!
Go Ellie! Hope you get to the final. You got this!
Ellie Goldstein made history in 2025
When she first stepped onto the Strictly dancefloor in the autumn, Ellie became the first contestant with
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
to compete in the main series of the iconic ballroom show.
Donations to Mencap help us support the 1.5 million people with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. to be seen, heard and valued.
Support Ellie and Vito
Bag yourself a Mencap #Go Ellie T-shirt to show your support.
The money raised will help us help more people with a learning disability.
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for their generous grant, funding this work.