Model is first Strictly Come Dancing star with Down's syndrome
Ellie Goldstein, an actress and model, has been announced as the latest contestant for the upcoming series.
The 23-year-old will become the first person with Down's syndrome to compete on the main series of the BBC dancing show, after TV presenter George Webster appeared on the 2022 Christmas special.
The trail-blazing model said she was 'absolutely over the moon' to be joining up with the cast and professionals for the new series.
She said: '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.'
Goldstein joins a line-up which so far includes former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, ex-footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, actress Alex Kingston, YouTube star and podcast host George Clarke, and Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
The model, who graced the front cover of British Vogue for the May 2023 issue, said she hoped to be paired with Ukrainian dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
'I love him! I want him, please, I love him so much,' she told BBC Breakfast, adding: 'He's good-looking! He's got a heart-warming, loving smile, making me happy. He's sexy, hot, fit, all the things for me.'
Goldstein has featured in advertising campaigns for brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas, appearing on the front covers of Glamour, Elle and Euphoria magazines.
In her cover interview with Vogue, she said: 'My disability has taught me to be 'me' – and not to be scared of doing things louder in the world.
'[It's about] following your hopes and dreams. Never give up, be who you are and smile all the way.'
'Emotional and proud'
Two years ago, Goldstein partnered with Mattel to launch the first ever Barbie with Down's syndrome.
'When I saw the doll I felt so emotional and proud,' she wrote on Instagram. 'It means a lot to me that children will be able to play with the doll and learn that everyone is different.'
More recently, Goldstein has appeared in CBBC's Malory Towers and on this year's Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer.
She said it was an 'honour to be involved in such an incredible cause'.
Strictly judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke will be returning for 2025.
The BBC will be hoping for a controversy-free series after being plagued by scandal in recent years.
Last year, allegations of bullying emerged against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, as well as claims of physical and verbal abuse against dancer Graziano di Prima.
Di Prima left the show after kicking Zara McDermott, the former Love Island contestant, during rehearsals, while actress Amanda Abbington claimed she was left with PTSD after alleged bullying by Pernice in 2023.
Pernice says he has 'always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour'.
The BBC said it 'upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made', and apologised to Abbington.
Wynne Evans, the opera singer and radio presenter, was also dropped by the broadcaster after he was accused of using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
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