Ellie Goldstein’s Strictly Come Dancing stint ‘made history’

A model with Down’s syndrome said Ellie Goldstein “made history” during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

Ms Goldstein, who also has the condition, left the show on Sunday after dancing the Tango to Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra with her partner Vito Coppola.

Beth Matthews, 26, from Swansea, said watching Ms Goldstein dance made her feel “proud, emotional and joy”.

“She was amazing,” Ms Matthews said, adding that she was “very upset” the model and actor had been eliminated from the competition.

Ms Goldstein, who is the first person with Down’s syndrome to feature on Strictly, became the fifth dance star to leave the show, exiting on the Halloween-themed night.

Ms Matthews’ mother, Fiona, said the Malory Towers actor’s call-up and success in the dance competition could “build on something”.

She said: “It’s a massive TV programme and it’s such a major Saturday night TV institution, which can open new doors.

“People thought they weren’t sure what she could do. She was amazing.

“A lot of people have a set idea of what people with Down’s syndrome are like.

“I always say to anyone with a young child with Down’s syndrome to give them hope, and Ellie has given them hope.”

She said her daughter was also hoping to get into acting alongside her modelling career.