Strictly Come Dancing returned for its first live show of 2025 on Saturday night, marking the start of the busiest television period of the year.
The popular BBC competition, now in its 23rd series, saw a whole host of new celebrities making their dancefloor debuts, including 23-year-old actress and model, Ellie Goldstein. However, the history-making model sparked concern when fans spotted her looking "distressed" in the background of several shots.
Ms Goldstein was partnered with Vito Coppola, 33, and the pair performed an energetic Cha Cha Cha, achieving a score of 17.
They seemed in good spirits during and after their dance, but later on during the lengthy show viewers noted the model seemed "upset".
BBC Strictly: Ellie Goldstein appeared to be a bit distracted during the show
|BBC
Taking to social media, well-meaning fans rushed to point out that other dancers standing near the actress seemed to be comforting her in the background while host Claudia Winkleman chatted to the couples who had just performed, with many believing the Malory Towers star may need some time away from the cameras.
At one point, Dianne Buswell seemed to be keeping a protective hand on Ms Goldstein's shoulder, with another showing My Coppolo placing an arm around her as she seemed distracted.
Others believed it looked as though she had perhaps been upset behind the scenes.
"It's like Ellie’s puzzled about what’s going on. I'm a bit worried for her TBH," one person shared.
BBC Strictly: Dancers appeared to be comforting Ellie during some moments
|BBC
A second echoed this, writing: "I hope Ellie is okay. She looked a little upset just now. #Strictly," while another wrote: "I hope Ellie is ok bless her #Strictly."
"I found it particularly gruelling to watch Ellie at the top of the stairs with Claudia and other contestants. I think we could see that she simply couldn’t cope.
"I hope if she’s still there next week that they take better care of her needs," someone else added.
Another posted: "I don't think she will be there next week she looked really agitated and upset."
"If she’s so overwhelmed, maybe let her go backstage to chill for a while, no need for her to be upstairs the whole show," another fan suggested.
"Oh she was looking very distressed. I don’t know why. Maybe too many people," one more noted.
However, some were quick to point out that Ms Goldstein could likely decide for herself what she needed, with one noting: "That's very patronizing. Don't you think she can make that decision for herself?"
On Sunday, the model took to social media to respond to the concerns and reassure fans she was ok.
Along with some snaps of herself and Mr Coppola during their routine, she wrote: "Thank you all so much for the incredible love and support!
"I'm over the moon that so many of you enjoyed watching me dance last night — I’m honestly having the time of my life.
"This really is a dream come true! I feel so lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing support team: my wonderful family, my agents, the whole Strictly crew, and of course my incredible dance partner Vito. I couldn’t ask for better.
"Dancing on this stage makes me feel strong, sassy, confident, and completely myself — I'm loving every single minute!"
Addressing fans' worries, she expressed her gratitude towards them but clarified she was perfectly ok, ending the message: "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.
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BBC Strictly: Ellie clarified that she had been fine during the show
|BBC
"And one more thing — yes, I have Down syndrome, but it doesn't define me. Not even close.
"It's actually the least interesting thing about me. Much love, Ellie x."
Because the competition is in week one of the series, no elimination will be taking place this week, with next Sunday's episode set to air the first dance-off.