Model Ellie Goldstein announced as latest celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing
Goldstein 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.
A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly)
'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.'
Goldstein's appearance on the show was announced on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday.
She made history in 2023 as the first model with Down's syndrome to make the cover of British Vogue, and she has also featured on the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag and Euphoria, as well as campaigns for brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas.
Two years ago, Goldstein partnered with Mattel to launch the first Barbie with Down's syndrome, and she recently starred in a guest lead role in CBBC's Mallory Towers.
She also works with charity Mencap to challenge misconceptions about people with learning disabilities.
Jon Sparkes, the charity's chief executive, said: 'We are so proud to see our Mencap myth buster Ellie revealed as a celebrity dancer for this year's Strictly. Ellie has never been afraid to push boundaries, and this is just another way to show what people with a learning disability can achieve with the right support.
'At Mencap we know how important it is for people to feel seen, included and recognised.
'We really hope that seeing Ellie do her thing on a Saturday night will start important conversations among the millions of viewers, so we can all move towards a more inclusive society.
'It shouldn't be unusual to see someone with a learning disability sharing their talents and we hope this prompts more shows to include them. Go Ellie, we are with you all the way.'
RuPaul's Drag Race UK star La Voix and former England rugby player Chris Robshaw were also announced as contestants during Scott Mills BBC Radio 2 Show on Wednesday.
La Voix said: 'I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement, and quite a bit of terror, than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV.
'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is, good luck to my partner. Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.'
Robshaw added: 'This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets. I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class.
'Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.'
It comes after podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke was announced as the sixth celebrity contestant on Tuesday during BBC Radio 1's Going Home drivetime show.
Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, said: 'Never thought I'd say this… but I'm doing Strictly! Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall over a fair bit.'
On the same day, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal was revealed as a contestant during a segment filmed live from Albert Square on ITV's Good Morning Britain.
She said that 'being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen'.
The other stars confirmed to be competing are Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
In July, the BBC announced that two 'incredible' new professional dancers, US-born Alexis Warr and Australian dancer Julian Caillon, would be joining the show.
The popular show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas on the judges' table.
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