Jewish star Ellie Goldstein announced for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing

An image posted to social media from her shoot with Gucci as part of their “Unconventional Beauty” campaign instantly went viral and became the high fashion brand’s most liked Instagram post ever.

In 2023, Goldstein made history by becoming the first model with Down’s Syndrome to make the cover of Vogue, aged just 21, following a series of high-profile campaigns.

Ellie Goldstein (Photo: Mark Cant, Camera Press)[Missing Credit]

A month before, she launched Mattel’s first Barbie doll with Down’s Syndrome and published her debut book, an autobiography called Against All Odds: My Life with Down Syndrome.

The memoir traces Goldstein’s journey in overcoming the hardships she faced growing up and making history in the global fashion world.

The cherry on the cake: Ellie Goldstein[Missing Credit]

Born in 2001 in Ilford, Goldstein defied early medical prognoses doubting her ability to walk or talk, and went on to train in performing arts, including dance and drama, which led to her appearing in performances at the Royal Albert Hall.

Speaking to the JC in 2023, Goldstein said her “tight-knit” Jewish family come together for Jewish holidays and every Friday night for Shabbat, with Goldstein lighting the candles.

“I love Chanukah,” she said. “I like the songs, and I love lighting the candles on the menorah.”

Ellie Goldstein (Photo: Instagram)[Missing Credit]

Earlier this year, Goldstein joined the cast of the BBC historical drama series Malory Towers as Nancy Mahler, based on the books by Enid Blyton.

Other celebrity contestants joining Strictly this year will be announced by the BBC in the coming weeks.

You can watch Ellie on Strictly Come Dancing when it returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.