Who is Ellie Goldstein? Model, actress and influencer signs up for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
She is also the first contestant with the condition to take part in a full series of Strictly Come Dancing this September.
How did Ellie Goldstein grow to fame?
Originally from Ilford, Essex, Ellie studied performing arts at New City College and has been modelling since she was 15 years old.
She is represented by Zebedee Management agency, which specialises in working with people with disabilities.
Over the past decade, Ellie has appeared in campaigns for big brands like Nike, Vodafone, Primark and Superdrug.
She gained global attention after being the first model with Down's Syndrome to appear in a Gucci campaign in 2020.
When she was 18, Gucci Beauty and Vogue Italia scouted her during the Photo Vogue Festival as part of their digital editorial on Unconventional Beauty.
The partnership saw Ellie shot by photographer David PD Hyde wearing Mascara L'Obscur.
She was also named one of Fabulous Magazine's Women of the Year 2021 for making the fashion industry more inclusive.
in April 2023, Ellie teamed up with Mattel to unveil the first Barbie doll with Down's syndrome as part of the inclusive Fashionistas line.
A few months later, she released her autobiography Against All Odds, and the following year Ellie, a children's book about inclusivity and growing up with Down's syndrome.
This year, Ellie joined the cast of the BBC series Malory Towers as Nancy Maher, the niece of Matron Kathleen (Ashley McGuire).
Ellie's Instagram profile has nearly 86,000 fans as of August 14, 2025.
Her success has been achieved despite the doctors telling Ellie's parents when she was born that she would not be able to talk, walk or live independently.
Ellie said: "I've broken down some barriers and shown that there are different types of beauty. People want more representation in fashion to include everyone with disabilities.
"My disability is just a part of me and I love how I live. I like being an inspiration to others who have Down's syndrome or other disabilities – they look up to me. I say to them, 'Never give up, follow your hopes, dreams and ambitions. Believe in yourself, don't be intimidated and never change'.
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