Ellie Goldstein has been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the latest contestant to leave the BBC show. The 23-year-old model, who made history as the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part, faced a dance-off with professional partner Vito Coppola after their Tango to Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra' during the Halloween-themed episode.
In the dance-off, Goldstein and Coppola competed against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon. Judges Anton du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood all voted to save Sopal. Head judge Shirley Ballas, who held the deciding vote, confirmed she would have also saved Sopal, though she praised Goldstein as 'outstanding throughout the whole competition'.
Following the elimination, an emotional Vito Coppola told Goldstein: 'There are no words I can use to describe how proud I am of you. You made me such a better person. You’re my little sister forever, and your big brother is always by your side.' Goldstein replied: 'I’ve enjoyed it so much! He is a kind person and all I wanted from day one.'
The results show, filmed on Saturday and broadcast on Sunday, also featured a performance by Cat Burns and a group routine by the professional dancers. News of the elimination leaked online before broadcast, prompting fans to express their heartbreak on social media.
Goldstein and Coppola will appear on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday at 6:30pm on BBC Two. The remaining nine couples will dance next Saturday, 8 November, at 6:25pm on BBC One, with the results show on Sunday, 9 November, at 7.10pm.
