Ellie and professional dancer Vito Coppola were amazed by the surprise message on the BBC show.
Actress and model Ellie Goldstein, the first contestant on the series with Down Syndrome, is learning to dance with professional Vito Coppola.
Quickly becoming fan favourites, Ellie and Vito took part in Icons Week on the October 25 episode. Ellie embraced her inner Spice Girl, performing a Salsa to hits including Spice Up Your Life and Who Do You Think You Are?
After their energetic routine, Craig Revel Horwood praised the energy but suggested more hip rotation and smoother transitions. Motsi Mabuse highlighted their “personality and connection,” while head judge Shirley Ballas said Ellie “never makes mistakes.” Anton Du Beke encouraged her to “keep going,” and the pair earned a combined score of 28 out of 40.
Making her way to the Clauditorium to join Claudia Winkleman and the rest of the stars, Ellie revealed that she had received a surprise message from Emma Bunton.
“Hi Ellie. It’s Emma Bunton here. I have been watching you every week and you’re my favourite. Then I heard that I’m your favourite Spice Girl. I’m honoured.
“I think you are a superstar. Thank you so much for dancing to our songs. The other girls are sending all their love and good luck with the scores! And big kiss to Vito, sending you lots of love,” Baby Spice said.
Ellie jumped in the air and screamed with joy, and fans rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to react to the moment:
@Jane69946890611 said: “No way, Emma Bunton made a video appearance on #strictly for Ellie’s personal message.”
@meganpsitn added: “I thought Ellie was going to faint when Emma popped up on screen #Strictly.”
@becca_x94 wrote: “BABY SPICE SENDING ELLIE A MESSAGE OMG I CAN’T COPE #strictly”
@KarenlovesGB stated: “Omg Ellie is having the time of her life! First time I haven’t cried watching her. Pure joy #strictly.”
@ryleesdove commented: “awww ellie got a video message from baby herself! that’s so sweet #Strictly.”
@Rosie12_1994 posted: “#strictly I thought that was good ellie just brings such joy everytime she dances and is so in sync with vito loved it tbf!”