Ellie Goldstein Eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing

Ellie Goldstein, the first contestant with Down's syndrome to compete in the main series of Strictly Come Dancing, was eliminated from the BBC competition on Sunday, November 2, 2025, after losing a dance-off to fellow celebrity Balvinder Sopal. The 23-year-old model and actress, paired with professional dancer Vito Coppola, departed the show following a unanimous judges' decision during the results episode at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.

The elimination came at the end of Strictly's Halloween-themed week, where Goldstein and Coppola performed a tango to Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra." Dressed as a magician with Coppola in a rabbit costume, the couple earned 27 points out of a possible 40 from the judges. Sopal, known for her role as Suki Panesar in the BBC soap EastEnders, and her partner Julian Caillon had danced a rumba to "Stay" by Shakespears Sister, scoring 28 points in the main show.

In the tense dance-off, both pairs reprised their routines. Judges Anton du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and head judge Shirley Ballas all chose to save Sopal and Caillon, with Ballas delivering the casting vote. The decision left nine couples remaining in the competition.