Amy Clarke
This week on Strictly it was Icons Week, where the contestants had the chance to dress up like their heroes. Ellie chose not just 1, but 5 icons to celebrate – The Spice Girls!
She was dressed as her favourite Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) and had pictures of the other members, Posh, Sporty, Scary and Ginger around the dancefloor which was a clever way to include them all. I think her partner Vito was wearing a tracksuit that looked like he was dressed like Sporty Spice as well!
This week Ellie danced the salsa, and it was very entertaining.
They did some lifts and there was lots of quick steps and twirls that looked amazing.
Ellie’s performance got mostly positive feedback from the judges, and she got a score of 28 which was level with lots of other couples this week. It looked good to me, and even Craig Revel Horwood’s criticism wasn’t too bad. He had a few things to say about her footwork but I think he’s qualified to say that as a dancer himself. I do find myself agreeing with a lot of what he says, though sometimes he does go a bit overboard I think!
Anyway, the public obviously thought she did well, because she got through to the next week, which is going to be Halloween Week! Another chance to dress up – this time she’s going to be a magician. To top it all off, Baby Spice herself sent Ellie an incredible message of support too wishing her good luck!
I think it’s brilliant that she got through again with the public’s support as she looks like she’s enjoying every minute of being on the show.
And every time we see her she’s inspiring people and being a brilliant role model for people 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.
everywhere.
She’s doing amazing things by learning all the new dance moves each week, and you can see the good reactions from everyone from presenters Tess and Claudia, to the judges, her fellow contestants and her pro dance Vito.
Thank you for spicing up our weekends, Ellie, we’re right behind you. Go Ellie!
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 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.
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