Strictly Come Dancing fans were “crying” with joy as Ellie Goldstein stole the show when the competition returned for week one, tonight.

After last week’s launch show, it was time for the contestants to show off their moves in the first live show. Rugby star Chris Robshaw kicked off the action with a samba to 90s classic Unbelievable, with his partner Nadiya Bychkova.

But while there were some impressive performances for week one, and even the judges were wowed, there was one contestant in particular who stole the show – Ellie Goldstein.

Ellie was pure joy!

Ellie and her partner Vito Coppola took to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor with a cha-cha to the Ariana Grande hit Yes, And. The fans absolutely loved their dance, claiming it was “pure joy”!

“Ellie’s fab,” said one smitten fan. “Magical,” said another. “Just pure joy,” said one more proud Strictly viewer.

ellie peeing herself at craigs comments i love her shes so me #Strictly

— beck 🐟 (@bIushirtboy) September 27, 2025

Just pure JOY #strictly pic.twitter.com/9InyPGYljd

— poppy ☾ (@scddevereaux) September 27, 2025

 

Ellie’s fab. Good job! #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly

— AmimeJ (@unwoven_26) September 27, 2025

Other viewers said her partnership with Vito was “epic” and praised Vito for the way he had helped Ellie learn the steps.

Model Ellie, who has Down’s Syndrome, wowed the audience with her “fierce” footwork. And she had such a wonderful time dancing with Vito that she didn’t even mind when judge Craig Revel Horwood – who’s famous for his sharp comments to contestants – gave his feedback.

In fact, Ellie just laughed at Craig’s comments!

It’s Ellie’s world and we’re just living in it #strictly pic.twitter.com/Lgg0KAHYSj

— poppy ☾ (@scddevereaux) September 27, 2025

Why the bloody hell am I crying at Ellie, I just love her ❤️ #Strictly

— 🐦‍⬛kristina (@leagueofhilary) September 27, 2025

Ellie has an important message to share

And other fans were quick to remind us that Ellie being part of Strictly was spreading an important message. “Ellie is just a ray of sunshine & positivity and ADORABLE! Showing that ANYONE can dance,” said one impressed viewer.

#strictly has done it again: Ellie is just a ray of sunshine & positivity and ADORABLE! showing that ANYONE can dance . Loved it !!

— BETTY REDONDO (@bettyredondo) September 27, 2025

Even the judges agreed. Head judge Shirley Ballas called Ellie a “bright star”. And more than one viewer said that they were just pleased that Strictly’s back on our screens.

“The joy i get from strictly saturdays,” said one pleased viewer.

the joy i get from strictly saturdays💫🪩🕺💜 #StrictlyComeDancing

— ti🫧 (@tianaverse_) September 27, 2025