Latest news with #GeorgeWebster
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Model Ellie Goldstein announced as latest celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing
Model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein has been announced as the latest contestant for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. 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. Advertisement 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. View this post on Instagram 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement '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.' La Voix is to join the upcoming series of Strictly (Ben Whitley/PA) 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. Advertisement '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.' Chris Robshaw is to join the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing (Adam Davy/PA) 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. Advertisement 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.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Model is first Strictly Come Dancing star with Down's syndrome
A Vogue cover star will become the first Strictly Come Dancing contestant 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.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Seventh celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing is revealed
Model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein has been announced as the latest contestant for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. 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 actress said she is "absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year". Goldstein joins former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, actress Alex Kingston, YouTube star and podcast host George Clarke, and Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on the show.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TV presenter will open summer festival to raise money for vital charity
A SUMMER festival will be held to raise money for a Bradford district charity. Chromosome Rocks Summer Festival will take place at Keighley Rugby Union Football Club between 11am and 3.30pm on July 13. The summer festival will be opened by TV presenter George Webster and include live music, food, stalls and games. It will raise money for Down Syndrome Training and Support Service, which is based in Bingley. The charity provides training and support for hundreds of parents and professionals who care for and work with children with Down syndrome. For more information and to buy tickets for Chromosome Rocks Summer Festival, visit In January, the Down Syndrome Training and Support Service started a fundraising campaign with the aim of bringing in £100,000 so it can continue its vital work. It has so far raised nearly £75,000. The charity was established by Wendy Uttley in September 2000 when her son Sam - who has Down syndrome and works at the Chromosome Rocks store in Keighley - was a toddler. Wendy said: "We are doing incredibly well with our fundraising and the charity is secure for a further 12 months - but we need to continue with our efforts." She thanked everyone for their ongoing support.
