Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Goldstein has revealed she was secretly holding back tears during last Saturday’s live show, as she performed her emotional waltz with dance partner Vito Coppola.
Appearing on It Takes Two on Monday night, Ellie admitted to host Janette Manrara that she “got a bit emotional on the inside” during the routine, set to Ellie Goulding’s Your Song. “It was all worth it for that dance,” she said. “We got great comments, great scores — I just loved it.”
Her partner Vito shared that he too was struggling to stay composed on the night. “I was really trying not to get emotional during the dance,” he explained. “When Ellie came down from the steps — that was her challenge. She was afraid to do it on her own, but I told her, ‘You can do this.’ And when she did, I was so proud. Watching her spin, she looked like a butterfly.”
Ellie also opened up about how she deals with the judges’ feedback, admitting that Craig Revel Horwood can be “a bit scary”. “He gives all the critiques about your feet and arms, but it’s all good feedback — except for the harsh comments,” she joked. “I hate it when Craig gives me bad comments. I’m like, what?!”
Janette reassured her that even the most confident dancers feel the same way about Craig’s remarks.
Looking ahead, Ellie and Vito will be turning up the heat for Movie Week, performing a samba to Dua Lipa’s Dance the Night Away from the Barbie movie. Ellie teased: “I’ll be Disco Barbie, and Vito’s my Sparkle Ken!”
Strictly fans left sobbing over Ellie Goldstein’s dance with Vito Coppola saying Down Syndrome star ‘deserves to win’
They danced to Golden by Huntr/x leaving the judges in awe, and viewers at home were moved by Ellie’s efforts.
One fan wrote on X: “Ellie deserves to WIN! Keep proving yourself girl! #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Another added: “Well done Ellie. Felt very emotional watching that.”
A third said: “Catching up on Strictly and Ellie has made me cry for the second week in a row.”
While a fourth penned: “Ellie had me in tears. Full of joy and I loved it. Vito is a true man! The best.
“Full of joy and love and happiness.”
Speaking after the dance, Anton du Beke said his eight-year-old twins would be “screaming at the top of their voice” for Ellie.
He added: “You are amazing! Ellie, you’re incredible.”
“You had this moment on Strictly because it was strong, it was powerful and I know so many young girls are there watching you.
“They’re going to want to be on stage like you. This was your go-home moment, I’ve never seen you dance stronger.”
“Honestly guys, that really touched me.”
Overall, Ellie and Vito earned a score of 31, with three 8s and one 7 from the judges.
It meant they placed fourth overall on this week’s leaderboard.
Previously, Ellie wowed viewers with her waltz, while brushing off viewers’ concern from the first live episode.
