Strictly Star Ellie Goldstein Reflects on Her Exit and Promises to Keep Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ellie Goldstein has opened up about her emotional departure from the competition, sharing heartfelt reflections during her appearance on It Takes Two on Monday night (November 3).

The 23-year-old model and disability advocate found herself in the dreaded dance-off on Sunday (November 2) against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal. Despite delivering a strong performance, the judges chose to save Balvinder, marking the end of Ellie’s inspiring run on the BBC dance show (source: BBC).

On Saturday’s live show (November 1), Ellie and her professional partner Vito Coppola performed a dramatic tango to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadavra.” While the routine earned praise from viewers for its intensity and emotional depth, it sadly wasn’t enough to secure their place in the competition (The Guardian).

Appearing on It Takes Two, a radiant Ellie looked back on her time on the show with nothing but gratitude. Speaking with host Fleur East, she shared how much the experience had meant to her — not just as a performer but as a role model for greater inclusion on television.

“I feel honoured and privileged,” Ellie said when asked about fellow contestant Layton Williams giving her a standing ovation during Saturday’s episode. “To have that kind of support from everyone in the studio was incredible.”

Throughout her time on Strictly, Ellie became known for her warmth, confidence, and undeniable chemistry with Vito. Fans and judges alike praised the pair’s connection, with The Independent noting that their routines often “radiated joy and authenticity, capturing the true spirit of Strictly.”

Ellie also couldn’t help but gush about one of the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, admitting with a laugh: “He knows I love him so much!”

After watching a highlights reel of their journey, both Ellie and Vito confirmed that this wouldn’t be the end of their partnership.

“We are dancing this week — we already said we’re doing our jive!” Vito revealed. “And a few other dances that Ellie wanted to try — the couple’s choice, the cha-cha-cha, and more.”

Ellie enthusiastically added, “We’re going to keep practicing and dancing all the way up until the final. I just love it too much to stop now!”

Fleur playfully replied, “You’re going to have your own version of Strictly at this rate!”

When reflecting on her Strictly experience, Ellie became visibly emotional.

“I have loved being with him — Vito, the best partner in the world,” she said, smiling. “Even when I was nervous or scared, he made me feel calm. The results show was so, so scary, but he kept me grounded.”

She also expressed how much she would miss performing at the iconic Elstree Studios, where the BBC series is filmed. Fleur concluded the interview by telling Ellie, “What we’re going to miss most is seeing you light up the dancefloor.”

And, judging by the outpouring of love on social media, viewers feel the same. Many fans have praised Ellie for her charm, courage, and the barrier-breaking representation she brought to the Strictly ballroom this year (BBC News, The Guardian, The Independent).

As for what’s next, Ellie made it clear she’s not hanging up her dancing shoes anytime soon — and the nation couldn’t be happier to see her shine beyond the show.