Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ellie Goldstein has reassured fans that she was not upset following her first live performance.
The model, who made her debut on the dance floor on Saturday, September 27, had previously explained that her eyes tend to water after a long day, emphasizing that she genuinely enjoyed the experience.
Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of the show’s companion series, It Takes Two, Goldstein told host Fleur East that she had a positive experience, saying, “I wasn’t upset at all. I was absolutely fine.”
Ellie Goldstein said she had a fantastic time performing a cha-cha-cha with her professional dance partner, Vito Coppola, earning a score of 17 points for the routine.
While many fans praised Goldstein’s performance, some expressed concern during the live show that she might have been upset by her score or the evening’s events. At one point, she was seen being comforted backstage by sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and his dance partner Karen Hauer.
“Is Ellie okay? She looked a bit upset there,” one viewer tweeted, while another wrote, “Please someone take her backstage and give her a brew and a hug. She’s so close to tears. It’s heartbreaking.”
Goldstein addressed the concern on social media, thanking fans for their support. “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!” she wrote.
“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.”
Strictly Come Dancing Faces Backlash Over Contestants’ Previous Dance Experience
Strictly Come Dancing is under scrutiny for featuring contestants with prior dance backgrounds, sparking debate among viewers.
Former Love Island winner Amber Davies, a seasoned musical theatre performer, was drafted in at the last minute to replace Dani Dyer, who withdrew due to a fractured ankle. Davies defended her participation on It Takes Two, explaining, “Ballroom and Latin are worlds apart from what I’ve experienced on a West End stage, you know.” She added that the two styles require “completely different techniques.”
Similarly, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has previous dance experience, having performed in the West End production of Billy Elliot.
Meanwhile, former England footballer Karen Carney topped the leaderboard on Saturday night. Points from this week’s performances will carry over into the next episode, with the first elimination scheduled for Sunday, October 5.