Ellie lit up the ballroom once again with Vito Coppola, dazzling as Baby Spice for Icons Week.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been full of praise for one of the show’s judges after their gesture towards Ellie Goldstein, saying, “How can anyone not root for her?”
The model and actress once again lit up the ballroom on Saturday night (October 25) as she and professional partner Vito Coppola danced their way into week five of the competition.
It was the second-ever Icons Week on the hit BBC One show, with Ellie channelling her inner Baby Spice Emma Bunton for a lively salsa set to a medley of Spice Girls hits.
After their energetic performance, which earned them a solid 28 points, co-host Claudia Winkleman announced that she had a special surprise in store for Ellie.
“Ellie, we know you love the Spice Girls,” Claudia teased. “We know you love Baby Spice. Somebody really, really wants to send you a message,” she added, as Ellie looked stunned and told Vito, “I can’t believe that!”
A video message then appeared from none other than singer and radio host Emma Bunton herself. “I’ve been watching you every week and you’re my favourite,” she said. “And I heard I’m your favourite Spice Girl! I’m honoured, and I just want to say you’re a superstar. Thank you for dancing to our songs the other girls send their love and good luck with the scores!”
But it was judge Craig Revel Horwood’s reaction that sparked the biggest reaction online. “I love the energy,” he said before adding that Ellie could work on her hip rotation a comment that drew a chorus of boos from the audience.
Craig went on to say that he’d also like to see smoother transitions from Ellie in her routines, but praised the “incredible personality” she brings to the dance floor each week.
In a rare twist, Strictly Come Dancing viewers applauded Craig Revel Horwood for his constructive feedback, commending him for treating Ellie the same as every other contestant while still offering encouragement.
One fan, @RyanSoapKing25, wrote: “Fully respect Craig for subtly critiquing Ellie in the correct way without coming off as patronising. This is why he’s the best judge. #Strictly.”
@AmyWonderland92 agreed, posting: “I love that Craig treats Ellie like he does everyone else… #Strictly.”
@GeordieJersey1 added: “Craig is the only one who speaks to Ellie like an adult and gives her stuff to work on. #Strictly.”
Another viewer, @x_beaumont_x, shared: “Craig giving Ellie some actual feedback! She looked so grateful. #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Meanwhile, @zoenafrank summed up the wider sentiment, writing: “Previous winners haven’t always been the best dancers it’s an entertainment show about personality, execution and musicality. Ellie is doing so much more than dancing; she’s showing that people with disabilities deserve the same representation and inclusivity as everyone else. She’s smashing it how could anyone not root for her? Go Ellie and Vito!”