Ellie is back in the dance studio and is training hard with Vito Coppola

Ellie Goldstein made the decision to return to the dance studio today after clearing up speculation that she was upset during her first Strictly Come Dancing live show.

The 23-year-old disability advocate made her dancing debut on Saturday night (27 September) alongside professional partner, Vito Coppola.

Viewers became concerned when they noticed her eyes watering during the broadcast and thought the model might be upset.

But Ellie has since reassured fans that she is “so happy” to be part of the BBC competition and that it is a result of her Down’s syndrome.

Ellie Goldstein is back rehearsing for her next Strictly Come Dancing performance (Credit: BBC)

‘The Cheeky Team’

Ellie and Vito clearly decided to continue enjoying their Strictly 2025 experience as they posted a lighthearted video from the dance studio on Monday (September 29). In it, they are facing the camera while kitted out in sportswear. A voiceover narrates the viral  “click or clique” saying, made famous on The X Factor, before the duo snap their fingers in unison.

Strictly pro Vito shared the clip on Instagram, writing: “Our team name is The Cheeky Team BUT my little sister really wanted to ‘click this up’.”

Fans were relieved to see Ellie enjoying herself after fearing she had a wobble on Saturday night. One person commented: “Can’t help but smile when I see you both.” Another cheered them on, adding: “You guys are doing amazingly! Go Ellie!”

Someone else shared their thoughts on the pair’s new nickname, exclaiming: “Go Cheeky Team! You are so adorable.” One viewer left an especially heartfelt message, telling Ellie and Vito: “As a disabled person, I am honestly so inspired by both of you. Ellie the way you just throw yourself into everything with such joy & positivity is amazing to see and Vito the way you just create space for Ellie to shine and be her authentic self is beautiful.”

Fan concern for Ellie

On Saturday, viewers were worried that Ellie looked close to tears. Contestant Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and pros, Karen Hauer and Dianne Buswell, all stepped in to comfort her, sparking further rumours that the Vogue cover star was not okay.

Fans took to social media tweeting that she looked “overwhelmed” or “upset”. However, Ellie has since clarified that her watery eyes were nothing to worry about.

She wrote on her Instagram account: “Just a little note: sometimes my eyes get watery after a long day – I promise I’m not upset! I’m doing so well and feeling SO happy, and your concern truly means the world.”

Ellie added: “Dancing on this stage makes me feel strong, sassy, confident, and completely myself – I’m loving every single minute! Yes, I have Down syndrome, but it doesn’t define me. Not even close. It’s actually the least interesting thing about me.”

Viewers were concerned that Ellie was ‘upset’ during the live show (Credit: BBC)

Ellie’s first performance

For their first dance, Ellie and Vito performed a Cha-cha-cha to Ariana Grande’s Yes, And?. The duo scored 17 points, which placed them in the bottom half of the leaderboard.

Head judge Shirley Ballas called Ellie’s performance “fabulous”, and Anton Du Beke described her as “a joy” to watch. Although the judges agreed there needed to be some improvements in the footwork department, Anton still called her timing “exquisite”. Shirley also gifted Ellie a fan with the word “fabulous” emblazoned across it.

Meanwhile, former England Lioness Karen Carney topped the first leaderboard of the series. Together with pro partner Carlos Gu, they scored 31.