Born to shine

Strictly's Ellie dances into the nation's hearts

- By Jess Thonet-Clarke

TRAILBLAZING model and actor Ellie Goldstein has been defying the odds since the day she was born - and now she's lighting up the Strictly ballroom.

Ellie, 23, the first contestant with Down's syndrome on the BBC show, made her debut with a cha-cha to Ariana Grande's Yes, And?

Her performance with pro partner Vito Coppola, 33, scored 17 points.

Reflecting on that first outing, Ellie said: "I'm honestly having the time of my life. This really is a dream come true!"

In her latest routine, Ellie wowed the crowd with a salsa to a medley of Spice Girls hits, earning 28 points.